For his spring collection Jason Wu looked to the sex appeal and visual impact of Helmut Newton‘s photographs, so naturally when it came time to create a campaign Wu wanted visuals every bit as powerful as those Newton created. The bar was set high, but who better to handle the task than the dream team of Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin handling photography, Kate Young styling, Patrick Li art directing and the one and only Stephanie Seymour striking the poses. Shot at La Grenouille and seeped in the kind of old school glamour that never loses its appeal, Wu’s campaign is as good as it gets. The designer himself even joins in on the fun, sharing space with La Seymour in an instantly iconic shot.

It’s cover vs. cover in this roundup of the month’s fashion hits. Let us know which covers were your favorites and which one’s didn’t quite make the cut.

ANDROGYNOUS APPEAL

Both Saskia de Brauw and Milla Jovovich have an innately stylish vibe that sets them apart from other cover stars, so seeing their faces peering out from the newsstand is always a treat. On February’s Vogue Russia Saskia provides a bit of androgynous edge to Paolo Roversi‘s moody blue imagery in a serious yet sensual cover. Milla J on the other hand is looking resplendent in Saint Laurent Paris on Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin‘s New York themed cover of the new Vogue Paris.

SASKIA ON VOGUE RUSSIA OR MILLA ON VOGUE PARIS – WHICH COVER GETS YOUR VOTE?

2 SIDES OF CONSTANCE

February brings double the Constance Jablonski for you to enjoy, with two very different Vogue covers. Vogue Germany‘s Alexi Lubomirski (New York: Management + Artists, Paris: Management + Artists) image offers a sultry vision of the Estee Lauder face, complete with dark lips and a retro chic bob worthy of a classic film siren. Patrick Demarchelier shows another side of Constance on Vogue China‘s springy cover shot, a simple portrait that is about as pretty as it gets.

SULTRY CONSTANCE OR FLOWERY CONSTANCE – EVERYBODY WINS!

BATTLE OF THE BLONDES

It is hard to find a flaw on Scarlett Johansson, but how does Elle UK‘s Rankin cover with the Avengers beauty compare to their one and only Anja Rubik? Both stars are clad in minimalist chic, both are looking phenomenal, but ultimately Anja’s cover is the more dynamic of the two. Naturally that means it is also the more difficult one to get your hands on, if you’re in London head on over to Selfridges to get this limited edition Elle cover.

SCARLETT’S ELLE COVER OR ANJA’S ELLE COVER – WHICH GETS YOUR VOTE?

THE TEASERS

LOVE Magazine‘s new ‘Clean Issue’ may not have debut just yet, but they really know how to amp up the anticipation. The teaser shots of models of the moment, Cara Delevingne and Edie Campbell by Sølve Sundsbø are elegant without losing any of LOVE’s trademark cool.

CARA OR EDIE – WHICH LOVE TEASER GETS YOUR VOTE?

Nicolas Ghesquiere by Steven Meisel

We were shocked and a bit saddened today to hear of Nicolas Ghesquiere‘s departure from Balenciaga. After 15 years at the legendary house, Ghesquiere is parting ways with the luxury powerhouse, a label he helped become one of the most influential and respected in the business. Though we know this is likely the start of an exciting new beginning (let the rumors begin) we can’t help but look back at a few of our absolute favorite Balenciaga moments, from the very first collection to those infamous leggings. Take a look at our favorites and let us know yours in the comments.

THE REVIVAL

In 2012 it seems like there are new designers shuffling in to breathe life into old houses every few months, that wasn’t so much the case back in 1997. At 25 after assisting designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and paying his dues behind the scenes at several brands, Ghesquière came to Balenciaga to design for the brand’s Japanese licensing partner. Hardly the most glamourous gig – but his talent was evident and soon he found himself creative director of a brand that had yet to rediscover its footing. His first show back in S/S 98 changed all that, with a darkly chic update on the brand’s identity that made the fashion press stand up and take notice. View the collection in full for yourself at Balenciaga.com.

THE BAG

Seasonal styles of the popular Balenciaga bags

It bags come and go, but modern classics are very rare indeed. Ghesquière knocked the ball out of the park when he launched Balenciaga’s Lariat bag in 2000, the oft imitated but never duplicated style has been seen on the arm of everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Carine Roitfeld and is still going strong.

THE GAINSBOURG CONNECTION

Nicolas Ghesquiere and Charlotte Gainsbourg by Jean Paul Goude for Harper’s Bazaar

Twilight cutie Kristen Stewart may be the latest actress to catch Ghesquière’s eye, but the original Balenciaga-fille has got to be Charlotte Gainsbourg, a woman whose idiosyncratic beauty and avant-garde career choices mirror the spirit of Ghesquière’s boundary breaking aesthetic. Serving as both muse and face of the line’s signature fragrances, Gainsbourg is a fixture in the Balenciaga front row and in the brand’s iconography.

THE FLOWERS

Jennifer Connolly for Balenciaga S/S 08 by David Sims

It is hard to go back through Ghesquière’s 15 years at Balenciaga and pick the most memorable collections, each collection has its own merits but there are a few that take on special significance. S/S 2008′s floral explosion remains one of the most daring and influential, just when we thought we knew what to expect we got hit with a strong dose of flower power. Reactions to the collection may have been divisive, but it jumpstarted the current craze for bold, head-to-toe print and has been replicated by everyone from H&M to Celine.

THE ARCHIVES

Cristobal Balenciaga Cape, 1963 – Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere F/W 2006 cape on Coco Rocha

Every designer working at a storied house has access to a wealth of archival inspiration, but only a select few put it to good use. Ghesquière was always adept at taking Cristobal’s shapes and points of reference, then modernizing them, either with subtle changes or grand re imaginings. Take a look at how Cristóbal’s 1963 cape compared to the oversized brocade cape from the F/W 06 show.

MOD MOMENTUM

Freja Beha Erichsen for Balenciaga F/W 05 by David Sims

Sixties style mod looks often found a place on Ghesquière’s runways and made for some of the most memorable looks; who can forget the mod touches in the F/W 05 and F/W 06 collections?

MARIE AMELIE

Marie Amelie’s interpretation of Balenciaga in Strict Elegance from Interview – Ph. Craig McDean

As much as we love Nicolas’ work, all the credit for Balenciaga’s longstanding cultural impact can’t rest solely on his shoulders. As the brand’s stylist, muse and loyal supporter, Marie-Amélie Sauvé has shaped the Balenciaga look for years on the runway and in numerous editorials. Some of our favorite Balenciaga moments occurred while looking at her artful and creative interpretations of that look in the pages of magazines like Interview and Vogue Paris.

i-ROBOT

Kate Moss by Sølve Sundsbø for Numero Tokyo‘s inaugural issue.

Perhaps the singularly most infamous pair of leggings in history and certainly one of the most iconic Balenciaga pieces of all time. How many leggings find their way onto the bodies of Terence Koh, Kate Moss and Beyoncé Knowles? Not to mention the omnipresent place these leggings held in fashion edits for nearly a year. We love it when Balenciaga goes on a sci-fi streak!

THE GIRLS 

Balenciaga S/S 2002 by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Every season we’ve looked forward to see which beauties would be featured in the Balenciaga campaign and to date we’ve yet to be disappointed. Whether it is a bonafide supermodel like Gisele Bundchen, or Christy Turlington or a fresh crop of brand new faces, Balenciaga always goes for the unexpected and remains one of the few brands whose campaigns can really launch a compelling face.

THE COPYCATS

The one thing we’ll miss most about Ghesquire at Balenciaga is his ability to kickstart a design trend. There are whole websites devoted to looks cribbed from Balenciaga and while all designers get inspired by each other every now and then it was always amusing to see who was drawing inspiration from Ghesquire.

THE EDITORIALS

There were and are so many great editorial images that involved Balenciaga, but we’ll end on this great shot of Gemma Ward by Nick Knight for Pop Magazine.

Resort ads from fashion’s haute houses provide a dose of glamour and some fresh photography, take a look at two of our favorites.

CHANEL

Chanel goes for baroque with a romantic resort campaign starring Cara Delevingne and Saskia de Brauw. Shot by Karl Lagerfeld (naturally) and featuring a sumptuous take on the house’s trademark luxury, the ads merge past and present into one chic package – note the Chanel Boy bag dandling from Saskia’s heel.

LOUIS VUITTON

Vuitton looks to its travel heritage with an atmospheric new campaign shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and starring Arizona Muse. Shot in famous Parisian locales like the Louvre (the Mona Lisa even makes a cameo) and Palais Royale, the ads focus on the “the art of travel” and will appear not just in print, but also in a special film version.

Christy Turlington, Karolina Kurkova and Liya Kebede by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for Donna Karan Woman

Donna Karan has always stood for a celebration of modern femininty and the latest fragrance launch from her eponymous line captures that ideal perfectly. Donna Karan Woman is an elegant tribute to the many sides of being a modern woman and the result of a dynamic collaboration between some of the most prominent female talents working. Famed architect Zaha Hadid created the impressive, sculptural bottle, celebrated perfumer Anne Flipo crafted the intoxicating blend of sandalwood, Haitian vetiver and orange blossom and the stunning campaign was shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and features 3 of extraordinary beauties of substance Karolina, Christy & Liya. The end result is truly a showcase for the power of women and the sensual scent itself is absolutely irresistible.

Francophiles and fragrance addicts rejoice – Serge Lutens comes stateside to Barney’s New York offering their previously Paris only scents at the Madison Avenue location.

Actress Jessica Chastain becomes the latest face of YSL Beaute, taking a starring role in the brand’s campaign for Manifesto. She also shares an adorable story about wearing Opium in the 5th grade.

Aline Weber shows off some beautiful hot pink lids on Into the Gloss‘ exploration of vivid eyeshadow color inspired by Dior Couture.

Nail innovator Jin Soon Choi – woman behind some of the greatest editorial nail moments ever – talks about her brand new line of polishes.

Tom Ford Beauty never fails to impress us with its commitment to all out glamour. We’re especially taken by the latest campaign imagery featuring Snejana Onopka wearing a glossy crimson lip and looking every inch the supermodel. You can almost smell the scent of Lavender Palm wafting through the air just by looking at this shot. Get the look on your own with a swipe of the oh so chic Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lipgloss in Lost Cherry. 

With their nude photography Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have always gone beyond simply sexualizing their subjects and instead pushed towards an artistic and sensual exploration of the human form. In 25 Magazine they capture the always enticing Jessica Miller at her rawest and most daring. Wearing the bare minimum of seasonal finery selected by Melanie Ward and posing with absolute abandon, Jessica looks fierce, free and utterly captivating.

Get in the mood for summer with this classic Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shot of Daria Werbowy for Vogue Paris

The weather may be unpredictable, but there is no denying that summer is upon us. From a beauty standpoint that means experiencing the season’s newest and best fragrances in all their heady glory. Take a look at this line up of refreshing, effervescent and downright intoxicating scents perfect for the summer.

Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide – Lutens scents always go for the esoteric, so it comes as no surprise that L’Eau Froide was inspired by “fresh air in the rusty water pipes.” Unusual, but the end result is a bracing blast of unisex verbena and mint that provides a much needed dose of cool.

INEKE Balmy Days & Sundays – The hotter it gets the more things start to feel out of control, but Ineke’s soothing green Balmy Days & Sundays creates an instant aura of tranquility. The scent is soothing, fresh and just crisp enough keep things exciting. The winning combination of Freesia, Grass, Honeysuckle and Mimosa is perfect for when the temperature creeps up past 90. Don’t let the name fool you, Sunday may be a day for relaxation but Ineke’s lightweight chypre doesn’t lack for sophistication.

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell – Delicate, enveloping and ever so slightly sweet, Jo Malone’s unique combo of persimmon, lily of the valley and eglantine is simply delightful. Floral lovers rejoice, summer doesn’t have to mean giving up the flowers you love so much – put the Fracas back on the shelf and try a lighter variation. The almost aquatic florals in Wild Bluebell are subtle and elegant.

L’Artisan Batucada – One word – Brazil. Batucada is named after a style of samba and has notes that call to mind a Caipirinha – lime, coconut, sugar and a bit of Tiaré flower for good measure, coming together to form a the perfect fizzy cocktail and ultimate exhilarating burst.

Roberto Cavalli – The Cavalli name promises sex appeal, trendiness and a certain rebellious spirit that infuses the house’s daring designs and the namesake scent more than lives up to this reputation. Fronted by Elisa Sednaoui, the amber and pink pepper focused blend is decadent and appealing without being overwhelming. A spritz of this on a steaming summer evening is guaranteed to make you feel your sexiest.

As the fashion world mourns the passing of legendary hair stylist and entrepreneur Vidal Sassoon, we look back at some of his greatest career moments. As one of the industry’s true innovators Sassoon influenced not only how we style our hair, but also the way we view modern beauty.

1955: MAYFAIR’S YOUNGEST HAIRSTYLIST

Sassoon trained under Brit hairstyling great, Raymond Bessone, but by the time he was 25 he had opened his very first salon in Mayfair. For a glimpse at his early styles check out this vintage video. The dramatic shapes and precise details are all still there, but the romantic Spanish influenced styles are very different from the mod shapes we’ve come to associate with his work.

1963: BAUHAUS INSPIRED

Sassoon will always be remembered for bringing Bauhaus’ doctrine of “form follows function” into the world of hair dressing. Prior to Sassoon the look was all about hair that took hours to perfect and wasn’t meant to move – The Guardian details the era of “setting lotions and rows of hairdryers” well. Sassoon was all about working with the natural texture and shine of the hair, then creating dramatic angular cuts that were easy to care for. You can see his classic shape here on Peggy Moffitt, a style echoed by the famous crops of girls like Ranya Mordanova and Tao Okamoto.

MODEL MUSES
You have to love a man who appreciates models. When asked by W to talk about his favorites, Sassoon had a couple of greats in mind. “Grace Coddington became my top model. She was eighteen when I first met her. She was just a little waif when Mary Quant and I got on to her. She carried off the Five Point Cut to be believed. Here in Los Angeles in my work with Rudi Gernreich, it was Peggy Moffitt. She was an extraordinary model. She acted out every piece of clothing. She would look in the mirror and act it all out before she would go in front of the camera.”

1967: THE POWER PIXIE

Oft imitated but never duplicated, Sassoon’s close cropped coif for Mia Farrow remains style standard. Nearly every pixie cut since has been inspired by this one. Just look at all the current actresses who have given this style a try – Winona Ryder, Natalie Portman, Emma Watson, Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan, Mia Wasikowska…

1985: SASSOON FOR MEN

When Andy Warhol endorses your hairspray it is kind of a big deal. In one of the most memorable ad campaigns ever the brand’s shampoos and conditioners were praised by a unique group of 80s stars. Getting Warhol was a coup but the most surprising endorsement came from bald actor, Geoffrey Holder.

2004: THE SLEEK RELAUNCH

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin knocked the ball out of the park with their chic ads for the line’s revamp that focused on the graphic quality of those ingenious cuts.

2010: SASSOON – THE MOVIE

What better tribute to a true legend? If you haven’t seen director, Craig Teper’s thorough exploration of Sassoon’s life and legacy you owe it to yourself to check it out.