W magazine’s latest creditable collection of designer looks is an inspirational treat for the eyes. Featuring items from Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Mc Queen, Phi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace …the list is endless, we’re spoilt for choice. Here’s to the Spring; to lighter materials, days and waistlines.

For detailed lists of each and stockists see W Magazine

Just a few days ago I was quietly complaining about Christina’s apparent disappearance from the social scene; then new candids have surfaced and my crave for new outfits has calmed. She was spotted arriving at Cecconi’s restaurant in West Hollywood, where she celebrated her 29th birthday with her husband Jordan. I’ve already expressed my appreciation for her new hairstyle, she looks lovely with this side-parted short bob.

The first two things that have immediately caught my attention are the amazing silver over-the-knee boots and the Union Jack box clutch, peculiar accessories she wore to complete what looks like an all-black outfit. Unfortunately it is still unknown what she wore under the double-breasted coat – something very short, for sure – but in any case she looked gorgeous.

Her Supra Fifre boots are by her favourite shoe designer, Christian Louboutin. The black leather or black suede versions of these boots have been seen on many celebrities, but the silver leather version have been seen on Christina and Leighton Meester (in her music video Somebody to Love) only. I’ve never been a fan of over-the-knee boots, so I don’t think I would ever wear them, but they have been one of the biggest trends in 2009 and this style is surely one of the best around.

Her Union Jack skull clutch is an unmistakable creation by Alexander McQueen, which mixes the United Kingdom flag with one of McQueen’s trade-marks, the (pearl-eyed) skull. I love Alexander McQueen’s unique style and his genius modern version of the Victorian and Gothic periods. Of all his accessories this skull clutch is my favourite, because it gracefully pays homage to his national flag, with a Gothic touch.

Dita Von Teese, Eva Green and Mel B are the celebrities who have been spotted with this beauty in their hands.

Just for the record, McQueen is not the only designer who has paid homage to the Union Jack flag. Karl Lagerfeld included a Union Jack quilted bag in Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 collection, Paris-Londres, which soon became the coveted it bag of the season. The British model Agyness Deyn and the British actress Emma Watson were among the lucky ones to tote this lovely bag around.

Christina’s choice to sport her Union Jack clutch was perfect for that outfit, but that is not the only Alexander McQueen bag she owns. In fact, Christina is a fan of McQueen’s accessories (she loves his skull chiffon scarves and his button ankle boots), and she always chooses peculiar bags. This is one of the reasons why I love her style so much: she is not completely mainstream, she doesn’t wear clothes or accessories because they are trendy, she chooses hard-to-find versions of popular styles and makes them part of her personal style.

Many celebrities have been seen with a Novak bag, but Christina was the only one to sport this stunning version with Swarovski pink crystals. I am speechless, because this bag is beyond gorgeous: I love the powder pink colour and the sparkling crystals which make it so precious.

In March 2009, she was spotted with a special version of another McQueen bag, the Elsie, made of gathered patent leather. Even in this case, she was the only one to sport this ombrè black-and-dark pink version. I don’t like the shape of this bag, but the ombrè effect of Christina’s is lovely.

Last but not least, here is the lovely mini frame bag she sported some months ago. McQueen has often paid homage to his Scottish origins, and this is an example, because the shape of the bag is reminiscent of the traditional sporran. The extravagant McQueen touch is not missing, because the bag is made peculiar by two metal figurines – an aeroplane and a soldier – hanging from a ring on the front of the bag.

What are your opinions about Christina’s outfit? And what do you think of her passion for McQueen’s accessories? Do you second that?

Source and source.

Abbey Lee Kershaw, Sasha Pivovarova y Natasha Poli prefieren dar luz verde a un desfile antes que caer con ellos. Y no podría ser por otros que los zapatos imposibles de Alexander McQueen, de acuerdo a un informe de Frockwriter.

Las modelos le dieron una mirada a los calzados aptos para alienígenas, como Lady Gaga, y declinaron caminar en su desfile.

Fuente: NY Mag

by Blerona

In an interview with WWD Magazine, Lady Gaga said she shops at M&J Trimming where she gets her inspiration for some of her funky and over the top pieces. The performer who describes her look as “filthy, unacceptable,” has now inspired M&J Trimming.

After her change of wild outfits and performance at the MTV Music Video Awards, Lady Gaga set the standard for every pop music artist. And if you weren’t a fan of Lady Gaga then, and still not, then you haven’t seen her latest video “Bad Romance”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

The concept of the video is a fashion installation of a Russian Bath-house. Lady Gaga wears these crazy and exciting costumes; including, shoes from designer Alexander McQueen which are worn throughout the video. When I watched the video for the first time I fell in love completely. The scene of her in the crystal top and headpiece was simply amazing and was my inspiration for this crystal bracelet.

Materials

• 3 1/2 inches of Style# 41380 3 ¼” Rhinestone Fringe
• 1 Style# 35658 Rhinestone Appliqué
• 1 Style# 30327 Dress Trim with Prong (1.800.9.MJTRIM )
• Light beige Fabric
• Glue Gun and glue
• Scissors
• Pencil (for tracing)

Directions

• Trace the appliqué onto a piece of fabric. Then cut out traced fabric.
• Now cut ­­­­rhinestone trim into five pieces.
  • Cut two pieces into  1inch
  • 3 pieces into 1/2 inch
  • Glue the 1 inch pieces on opposite sides of each other
  • Glue two smaller strands on opposite sides below the longer strands
  • Glue the remaining strained at the bottom of the appliqué.
  • Now take the cut fabric and glue it on evenly and neatly on the back of the beaded appliqué over the rhinestone trim.
  • Now cut the dress trim w/ prong
    •  The buckle should be 2 inches long
    • The other side should be 2.5 inches
    • Glue the two pieces to the back of the appliqué, one on each side
    • Now take the two strands at the bottom of the applique and cut each strand to 1 inch(or the size of your middle finger) then glue together

   

Kids love New York and the Bergdorf windows.

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Manhattan, Christmas always started with a trip to the city. It was a major event that required getting decked out in a sparkly dress with a big bow and my special red coat with the gold buttons and the black velvet collar. I remember standing out in the cold, in my black patent shoes (which were always too tight), in line on 5th Avenue, eagerly waiting for it to be my turn to see the Saks holiday windows. Some twenty-years later I still kick off the Christmas week with a trip to the windows (only now, I’m also there for the designer sales).

Fifth Avenue is at its best during the holiday season. The famous stores are wrapped up like glittering presents — Cartier has a big red glitzy bow, Fendi is enveloped in an illuminated belt, and Armani glows under a stream of blizzardy lights. Snowflakes hang from intersections and storefront windows become  fairytale lands.

This year, Bergdorf Goodman has outdone itself. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland comes to life in haute-couture in the windows of this iconic NYC department store. Each artfully crafted window captures the fancy, absurdity, and other-worldliness of Carroll’s novel. Sculptures made of strips of paper stand next to mannequins clad in Alexander McQueen. It’s a stunning start to your stroll south from Central Park.

The Queen of Hearts from Alice in a Winter Wonderland on 5th Avenue

A few blocks away stands Saks Fifth Avenue, the most famed venue of theatrical holiday windows. Whereas Bergdorf’s display is all about couture, Saks is all about the kiddies. Complete with music and a narrated soundtrack, the Saks dioramas tell the story of a lucky little snowflake who travels round the world on a 747 and gets to experience Christmas in Paris and Italy. Even if that doesn’t sound like your thing, hang in there. Every 15 minutes the giant illuminated snowflakes on the department store’s facade begin a choreographed performance to Carol of the Bells.

Sure there are a gazillion people on the street, and sure all those lights make everything seem a little Las Vegas, but the Fifth Avenue Windows are a New York City tradition, and like Rockefeller Center and its tree, they’re not to be missed.

*****

Kathleen Reckling
CC ‘07, GSAS ‘09

aline is represented by women model management.
she appears editorially for the january issue of vogue spain, as seen.
i love the way the clothes are the focus, not her poses or an elborate set.
photographic credit for this spread to alex cayley.
i fucks with that mcqueen houndstooth.

imagesource | tfs

I have been digging the look of a ankle bootie for the longest time and have been searching high and low for the perfect pair that will not only look chic but also practical at the same time for the local weather.  So when I finally found this pair of Faithful Bootie by Alexander Mcqueen, I was seriously over the moon.

The black buckle-down, zip-up ankle peep toe bootie is totally cool. Zip has skull icon detailing in ancient silver and comes in 115 mm stiletto heel with 1 cm platform. Im defnitely a happy camper now and here are some pics with the super cool boots that I absolutely adore!

Balenciaga Original	Steve Madden Knockoff

On December 18, 2009, Balenciaga sued Steve Madden.  Balenciaga claims Steve Madden “intentionally copied” it’s multicolor LEGO heels from it’s fall 2007 collection.  (Though the shoes are officially named Closed Front Cage Sandals with Ankle Pads, they have been nicknamed LEGO Heels for obvious reasons).

The original Balenciaga pair sold for $4,175; the Steven Madden knockoffs sold for $99.95.

What took Balenciaga so long to sue?  As noted by Fashionista.com, it looks like Alexander McQueen’s lawsuit has inspired other designers to go after Steve Madden for stealing their designs. (For those who may not remember, Alexander McQueen sued Steve Madden two months ago for copying his little Goth booties.  Once again, mainstream follows the Goth trend.  Who will be the next to sue?)

Perhaps if enough designers continue to challenge Steve Madden, he will finally change his ways.

For more LEGO fashion click here.

Bonus Track:

An absolutely gorgeous Alexander McQueen bootie with caliper heel.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Tant via TwitPic

Very sexy Gucci cutout/bondage heels.

Tanja S. London Winola heel. I doubt I could walk in them but I'd try.

J’adore…

-Septembre

How To Cope With The Cold! After this weeks freezing iceberg temperatures in England we’ve frantically been pilling on the woolen socks, fleeces, long underwear, hats, scarves, mittens…yesterday I wore 11 layers…this would make for an infinite long game of strip poker.  But here at Brains and Beauty we do not feel like re-organizing our entire closet and take out all the summer stuff and not wear any of it anymore until April! So…how do you transform your summer wardrobe into winter without re-buying a whole new wardrobe?! Brains and Beauty will show you…

The past year we have loved chunky heels (see more: “Black (check) Chunky (check) High (check)”) but when we look outsides and see all those exposed feet we say: NO WAY, I prefer my (aahhhh) Ugg boots. But this problem can be resolved to easily. Just add a pair of (patterned) opaques (this season tights can be found for all tastes: from houndstooth to rainbow to hearts to

polka dots  to striped to fake suspenders to alphabet to multicolored to lace…etc.) we’ve also found a solution to that extremely annoying drop crotch type thing -wear a pair of underwear on top of your tights too! Topshop even has velvet and sequined underwear perfect for walking down the steep stairs of school.- Still too cold? Add a pair of thick woolen socks over your tights.

This summer we went crazy for the thin transparent stuff…skirts tops tank tops we have them all in thin floral fabrics (and they’re still selling them!) but how do you make these work? Simple: the answer to this confusing equation is: Layer! Take your chiffon floral tank top and layer it over a black lace tank top (we love this Urban Outfitters bandeau bra). Than throw on a pair of dark wash jeans (or corduroys!), a woolen cardigan, a blazer, a long woolen scarf, some

mittens and a little hat and some ankle boots. To finish it off pile on some chunky jewels and a cool cocktail ring for a lift of light glamour amidst this thick heavy winter wear  (see more: “Instant Bling…Cocktail Ring!”). The only *caution* with this one is to end up looking like a grizzly-bear so mind your proportioning (balance) by leaving either your legs or top a little more skinny skinny.

White. Mmmmm…tricky! Winter is the season of the muted coloring so where does white fit in. Well first of all you can let out your inner Rembrandt and go crazy with the spray paint (get some leather coating spray…amazing!) and studding on these blank canvases. If you’d like to keep them “the way I are” yea yea you will have to think or in this case well try and do it for you.

At least try and keep from all white (which in summer doesn’t really work either unless your going for a tennis player look). Balance your white things

with wool, velvet, cashmere, sequins, corduroy (in dark colors). On the other hand in opposition to white; cream and light pink really do work in winter e.g. we love to wear lacy nightgown with long cardigans, oversized blazers, textured tights and some creepers (with platforms!). Just experiment, there is -almost- nothing which you can’t always wear if you style it right. If all the above fails either: Go out cold (but this looks cheap and will get you sick!) or pile on aaaalllll your summer stuff with confidence and look so wrong you look so right.

How are you tackling the summer -> winter dillema? Send us your tips to brainsbeauty@live.co.uk and it you could be featured in a next post!

XX Brains and Beauty!

(Images: BrownsFashion.com, NET-A-PORTER.com, Topshop.com and UrbanOutfitters.co.uk)

Products Information (from top to bottom)

- Glitter Velvet High Knicker £10 via Topshop.com
- 3 Strap Heel by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa £110 via BrownsFashion.com
- Opal Leather Wedge Sandal by Diane von Furstenberg £260 via NET-A-PORTER.com
- Floral Lace Tights £12 via UrbanOutfitters.co.uk
- Houndstooth Printed Tights by Alexander McQueen £60 via NET-A-PORTER.com
- Rose Hook and Eye Dress £50 via Topshop.com
- Open Back Satin Vest £28 via Topshop.com
- Lace Slip by Premium Topshop £40 via Topshop.com

The best braids. My hair is finally getting long enough to create this hot look!!

Here are my top picks.

On the left is an example of the kind of shoes that Alexander McQueen designed for his fall 2009 collection.

They look like those Frankencricket things that I found in my apartment in college and nearly burned the whole place down trying to get rid of them.  Click to see them in action.

These things seem like a stupid prank Tyra invented to torture her wannabe models.

im not really a peep toe fan but i LOOOVVEEE these. these A. McQueen’s black patent leather babies with a cute heart shape peep toe are too cute and definitely perfect for the holidays, the yellow just sets it off perfectly for me ::kanyeshrug:: loves it !!

So this is the point at which I should probably report on the Pre-Fall RTW collections that were shown in the various fashion capitols over the past few weeks.
Well – whatever.
They were so boring I couldn’t even be bothered to sigh about them.

Instead, I’m going to tell you about the most exciting thing going on right now in our little known universe.
No; it’s not the Hadron Collider, 570 ft beneath the Franco-Swiss border, going about the tricky business of figuring out how we all got here in the first place, and it’s not the delicate negotiations taking place at the Climate Change summit in Copenhagen; nor is it the start of the new season of ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ that just aired on US TV on Sunday night.
It’s not any of those inconsequential creations or events (Pre-Fall collections included.) It’s a little Lady called Gaga.

YES! IT'S HER! Before she was Gaga: Stefani Germanotta performing at Sacred Heart School, NYC

3 years ago, Lady Gaga was Stefani Joanna Germanotta – singing and playing piano in dive bars like ‘The Bitter End’ with her own 3-piece soft rock band. Watching a YouTube clip of her and the rest of the guys doing a cover of Led Zeppelin’s ‘D’yer Maker’ and – (after getting over the initial shock of her general appearance: no leotard, no crazy sunglasses, no crystals, no lace, no paper mache-based head gear or sparkler-shooting brassiere; just black leggings, top, and long dark brown hair falling over her face,) I listened and enjoyed a really heart-felt, energized rendition of a much-loved rock classic.

Gaga performs 'Paparazzi' at the MTV VMA's; The Lady meets HRH The Queen; Gaga performing on her 'Dali Elephant Leg' piano at the Royal Variety Show

From Lollapalooza DIY; to Restaurant cabaret; to wearing full-on McQueen in her new 'Bad Romance' video

Lady Gaga on the cover of Elle Magazine, January 2010 issue

Gaga in all her many Guises

“My goal is to use music as a way to bring all sorts of communities of people together; to blur the lines and say music has NO POLITICS, music has NO RELIGION, music has NO COLOUR PREFERENCE, music has NO SEXUAL PREFERENCE, MUSIC IS FREE.”

- Lady Gaga

I ‘m going to a fancy dance extravaganza with friends and we all (even the boys) are stressing out about what to wear.

I’m planning to make something for my-self……hmmm let’s see how that works out

Here are some gorgeous dresses that can help you decide what to wear

1 - Alexander McQueen /2 - Sonia Rykiel /3 - Acne /4 - Alexander Wang /5 - Rise Fashion /6 - Herve Leger /7 – H&M /8 – Arden B

 Alexander mcqueen is a troublesome one like a mischievous imp. In his early ages, he was not thought highly of by boss. He is always trying to be cynical, resisting the common customs.

 Mcqueen made a low waist trousers, and it is spread worldwide. Most of buyers got crazy about its brave sex appeal. As long as she is bright, wise, strong-willed and brave, she can also wear a clothes suits her. She need not be anxious about his height and weight. Alexander mcqueen will do her a favor. Mcqueen once said, he not only hope women to wear his clothes, but also become staunch.

 There is no perfect thing, the distinguished sometimes make some mistakes can’t be forgiven. So the personality is always linking with one’s works. One who behaves well and works hard will be highly praised.

 Characterized by its unique features, it is now hot in foreign market. Many replicas goods join the group of high heels wholesale, especially in international trade.

The original is very expensive, and its quantity is not sufficient. unfairly, with the good price and amount of goods, the so called fake things is popular among people. I think China especially the main land is good at learning from others.

A aood impression you wanna leave on others has something to do with your wearings. Alexander mcqueen is made by an English man Mcqueen.

In 1996, he designed an amazing style of low waist jean named bumster pant, this brave and innovative one soon made his brand as well-known as Viviennne westwood, and it was also the young’s preference.

 What his masterpiece mixes many various factors, even some of them can not get along well with each other, such as tradition and fashion, strong and soft, his unique design wan for him the reward of “the best designer in England”. Besides, his shoes often appear in the fashion show, and show is considered to be the best and most attractive one .

 As time goes by, shops appears in all metropolises one by one and some provide the high heels wholesale. Alexander usually say what others dare not say, and often boast, what is incredible, he is well done every time. People’s expectation on him brought him much pressure. He once said, “people always hope me to present something amazing, they are completely fools.” He is proud enough of him, and reply the media, “extremist makes people’s mental health collapse. something I did seems rude, some seems charming. I make it!”

Sexy-chic style and timeless elegance exude from this incredible dress hailing from ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. The true beauty of this dress will truly shine accessorized minimally with subtle jewelry and simple clutch. Comprised of layer upon layer of silk, top this beauty off with a fur shrug for cooler weather and you will have both a look that defines luxury and is suitable all season. An incredible find!

Style: This gorgeous dress is comprised of luxurious black silk and features a deep v-front and twisted, haltered neck with light gold, adjustable toggle back closure. Fitted bodice leads to peplum waist skirt that cascades into six lush layers of tierd black silk (over a straight-cut underslip), pooling elegantly at the feet.

Fabric: 100% silk. Lining: 100% acetate.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Retail: Approximately $8,000

Size: 38/4

Measurements:

Length: 70″ (approx)

Bust: 34″

Hips: 36″

This dress is AMAZING!  email us for pricing at madisonavecouture@gmail.com

No stranger to science fiction or Victorian imagery, Alexander Mcqueen and Nick Knight evoke Jules Verne for Spring 2010, Plato’s Atlantis

Futurism and Retro-Futurism — moods of the moment as everyone is finally looking forward, anticipating what is to come and what it will look like. Visions of the future and past visions of the future are circulating around. They have been for some time in the collections of Nicholas Ghesquire and Raf Simons, both of whom have appropriated 70’s and 80’s science fiction; pulling their prescient aesthetics and discovering their uncanny contemporary relevance. More so, Helmut Lang, the designer who laid the foundations on how to invent our own references and accurately give form to the contemporary zeitgeist, is influencing a slew of young designers imposing Lang’s strict search for the new. They have been at the vanguard of moving fashion away from the years of vintage and nostalgic pandering that has kept progress at a standstill. However, this mode of working disdains all Historicism, the conscious appreciation and appropriation of worlds long past, and overlooks the solutions that bygone eras can provide for us as we brace for tomorrow.

Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 1995 steampunk-esque film with costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Known mostly as a fantasy and science fiction sub-genre , Steampunk has been gaining currency. It’s a reimagining of history, particularly late 19th century Europe, with a presupposition that today’s technology could be feasible 150 years ago through steam power. That’s the steam; the punk is the subtext of radical social and institutional change that can be manifested through this advancement of technology. Aesthetically it is characterized by brass metallics, Victorian ornamentation, and industrial machinery. Like other fantasy and sci-fi fascinations it has been taken up by zealous fans, many of whom engage in role play or cosplay, living out their fantasies with stylized corsets, Sherlock Holmes get ups, and aged antiques. A community of devote followers have cropped up, attracted to both it’s aesthetic and political messages.

H.G. Well’s The Time Machine, Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and William Gibson’s more contemporary The Difference Engine are cited as major source material in both their critical philosophizing of old worlds challenged by the onset of startling new technology and their suggestion of seamless integration of antique aesthetics and advanced modern technology. Rather than decreeing all historic references démodé on the fault that they are regressive, Steampunk opens ornamentation and aesthetics of any particular era up for re-appropriation to the times. The function of the object or garment displaces any perceived irrelevance of its antique appearance. Nor is Steampunk a blatant return of nostalgic yearnings. Escaping the vintage and retro label, the pool of references are beyond memory for any living person, so far beyond in fact that it becomes foreign, almost alien. It is from the amalgam of futurist anticipation and a historicist’s indiscriminate approach to time that a genuinely new world is formed. “Tomorrow is yesterday”

Timeline of looks from previous Alexander McQueen shows found on style.com.

Today is a good day.  First shipment of McQueen shoes arrived in New York, and Miami’s shipment is en route as I type (sorry Angelenos).   I am still waiting for the python knuckle duster clutch with bated breath…. 

Louise Amstrup’s a lucky gal. Since debuting her collection at London Fashion Week in 2006, fashion press has been on her jock as a bee is to honey. She’s sucked them in with her ornate collections, and things are about to get better, thanks to a nomination for the Max Factor and Copenhagen Fashion Week New Talent Award.

The Danish fashion designer sharpened her couturier skills under Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Sofia Kokosalaki producing a collection inspired by sharp edges, solid grey/black colour palettes and geometric shapes. Her spring/summer 2010 collection incorporated mesh, draping and sci-fi shoulder blades, a trend we’ll be seeing a lot of in the upcoming year.