Arguably the most beautiful & exciting thing to come our way this week was the new Swarovski scent, AURA. Ultra-sleek packaging aside (the bottle was designed by Gwenaël Nicolas, man behind some of the world’s architectural masterpieces) the scent completely captures everything we love about Swarovski. A crystal is the perfect final touch, that extra bit of shimmer that makes an ensemble special – Aura is that in a fragrance. The delicate blend of amber, benzoin & white musk sparkles on the skin and with a brand new Aura gloss compact it sparkles on the lips too.

We love when models do something special for a charitable cause, so naturally we’re in love with model turned beauty mogul Josie Maran‘s latest project. For the ‘Model Citizen’ campaign Josie teams up with Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall to create limited edition bottles of her line’s famous Argan oil, with bottles designed by each girl & proceeds going to the charities close to the girl’s hearts – Happy Hearts fund, Women for Women & Healthy Child / Healthy World all benefit.

Take a look inside Lara Stone‘s makeup bag and what will you find – apparently a whole lot of Calvin Klein & Sisley! Speaking of Calvin, take a look at our first impressions of the new ck one color collection.

Speculation on who Dior’s newly minted designer, Raf Simons will put on makeup duty is rising. British Vogue takes a look back at Pat McGrath‘s impressive Dior beauty creations during the time of John Galliano, while Style.com suggests Raf might be leaning towards his longtime cosmetic collaborator Peter Philips.

Cuneyt Akeroglu captures two sides of the luminous Lara Stone for Vogue Turkey‘s latest issue with elegant covers that capture the essence of this generation’s premier model. First Lara as herself, in a simple black and white shot that showcases the woman behind the sexed-up image and high profile campaigns. The shot is simple, evocative and 100% Lara. For a taste of fashion fantasy the second cover features La Lara as an 80s power beauty, straight out of a Patrick Nagel illustration. Dark hair, bold lips and a come hither glare that would leave lesser men shaking in their boots.

We love both covers, but which will you be picking up when the issue hits newsstands?

We are fascinated with this new series of videos by Nick Knight and his always groundbreaking Showstudio (in collaboration with V Magazine). Outfitted by Carine Roitfeld, Lara Stone demonstrates kick ass self defense moves, using the Israeli system of Krav Maga, all while wearing Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chanel and more.

Kudos to Nick Knight for his statement: “Women should have the right to wear whatever they want, whenever they want, without fear of being attacked. The purpose of these fashion films is to help give women the ability to defend themselves wherever necessary. I’ve always argued fashion has a larger voice, rather than just reflecting beauty, it also assumes a political stance. Get Back, Stay Back! is a very important piece and will show that fashion has a central role in our society. If this story could save one woman from being raped or attacked, it will have served its purpose.”

In a world where women must always be prepared against violent assault, Ms Stone proves you can be totally fierce even in the highest of heels.

Lara wearing Alaia, photo by Nick Knight, image courtesy of Showstudio.

Check out the first video where Lara (in Givenchy and Prada heels) yells: “Get Back, Stay back.”

For other videos, including Lara defending against a knife, a choke and an attack on the floor,
go to Showstudio’s Get Back, Stay Back page.
For images from the shoot, pick up a copy of V Magazine, out on newsstands now.
For more information where Lara got her lessons, go to the Institute of Krav Maga UK, or go to a Krav Maga institute near you.

Just in case 12 covers weren’t enough for you, take a look at four more from i-D Magazine‘s Whatever the Weather issue – the bold mix of photographic styles, models and even the occasional Spice Girl, gets us very excited for this one. For more on i-D be sure to check out i-D Online. 

Lara Mullen & Matt Ardell by Jeff Bark

Stella Tennant by Sølve Sundsbø

Lara Stone by Alasdair McLellan

Dylan Riley by Hedi Slimane

Victoria Beckham by Josh Olins