>> The last batch of backstage snaps for the Spring 2011 season is here and includes Karolina Kurkova smoking a fake cigar at Hermes; Sasha Pivovarova and Carmen Kass at John Galliano; and up close and personal looks at the Alexander McQueen detailing. All that plus more behind the scenes action from Chloe, Giambattista Valli, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Costume National, and Akris in the gallery.
Photos: Greg Kessler
>> The Susan Sontag quote on every Louis Vuitton attendee's seat was a clue: "The relation between boredom and camp taste cannot be overestimated," it said. What followed, starting with model Kristina Salinovic — her jet-black hair and white-streaked bangs an ode to Sontag — was "total camp glamour, clothes for the extrovert; chinoiserie, the 1920s, everything that Paris stands for," in Jacobs's words. "Basically, I didn't want anything natural," he continued. "I wanted everything overly stylized. The iris prints — like the screens you’d see in a seventies apartment — but so bad!”
The runway was black faux marble, the backdrop gold and black fringed curtains with three stuffed tigers in front. Jacobs freely admitted that he was inspired by the early work of Japanese designers in Paris — like Kenzo Takada: "Of course, these are my references. I love the exoticism, the way Paris embraced Orientalism." He further explained: “My first job was with Kansai Yamamoto. He did all those sequined motif sweaters. I always reference other designers and don’t care if I admit it!”
Kristen McMenemy closed out the show — which featured shoes with giraffe legs as heels — in a pair of black trousers, her torso painted in black and white zebra stripes. As WWD put it, "It may not have been his most stellar or controversial outing for Vuitton, but it was playful, exuberant and glam, bam, thank-you ma’am. And a whole lot of fun."
>> Katie Grand is known for cultivating unique model casts — last season at Giles and Louis Vuitton, both of which she styles, there was a proliferation of Victoria's Secret models on the runway. And while she brought back some of those "curvier" girls for Giles again this season — Alessandra Ambrosio, Ana Beatriz Barros, Anne Vyalitsyna, Noemie Lenoir, plus Sports Illustrated models Jessica Hart, Abbey Clancy (who is pregnant), and Julie Ordon — also peppered in were Agyness Deyn, who shaved her hair into a mohawk for the show, Amber Le Bon, British model and TV presenter Kelly Brook, and 71-year-old Veruschka, who closed the show.
Grand is working with Giles Deacon on his debut collection for Emanuel Ungaro this season — so surely the cast will be special for that occasion — although the only hint that came is not model-related: Deacon is working with edgy London label Sibling on knits for the show. And as for Vuitton, all Grand would say was: “[Marc Jacobs] said, ‘I’ve got all these beautiful clothes for Vuitton — what on earth are we going to do with them?’”
Now that you've got Fall's military trend down, it's time to go the completely opposite direction: the '50s. Thanks to Louis Vuitton's ladylike Fall collection, longer hemlines rule, as do sexy corsets, cropped cardis, and sweet pointy pumps. But don't be mistaken, this pseudo-housewife is no bore — make sure to pair a sassy attitude with that full skirt!
Sofia Coppola and Louis Vuitton are at it again. After a very successful first guest designer run, the director has released yet another modern-cum-classic handbag line for the French house. Here she is carrying the black style at the Venice Film Festival. You won't be able to get your hands on them until they hit LV boutiques in October, but here is a sneak peek to get you excited.
An old graphic tee is just a starting point for a fabulous look. Take tanyazh's outfit — it's pretty clear that playing around with a boring shirt paid off. The t-shirt's just the beginning, then she piles on the fun: bright scarf, colored shorties, belt, funky heels, and a classic Louis Vuitton. They elevate the basic for something totally inspired.
Here's what she has on:
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Scarf: Forever 21
Bag: Louis Vuitton
Bracelets: Vintage
Congrats to tanyazh!
Everyone else, submit your looks, and I might feature you on FabSugar!
>> Is Edun Being Melded into the "Stella McCartney of LVMH"? —Bono and Ali Hewson have been cast in the newest Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign — and they're wearing clothes from Edun, the ethical clothing label they founded (and of which LVMH owns nearly 50 percent), marking the first time Vuitton has credited another fashion label in its ads. Hewson is pictured carrying a bag co-designed by Edun and Vuitton, notable as the Core Values campaigns historically highlight monogrammed Vuitton bags and luggage. After Edun recently reported losses, it seems like LVMH is ready to push hard for profit — particularly because the conglomerate is rumored to be molding the brand into their counterpart of PPR's socially conscious Stella McCartney label. Antoine Arnault, Vuitton's director of communications, explained that Edun's presence in a Vuitton campaign would give the small brand major international exposure. [WWD, Fashionista]
>> Sofia Coppola Continues Louis Vuitton Handbag Collaboration with New Style, Fresh Colors For Fall 2010 —Sofia Coppola and Louis Vuitton continue to build on their relationship: In addition to appearing in the brand's heritage ads alongside her father, Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia's now expanding her handbag and shoe collaboration with Vuitton for the Fall. The latest additions — set to bow in October — include a newly sized day bag, along with the existing designs in several new colors, like the chocolate brown at left (the bag has previously been available in navy or a muted cranberry red leather, the Vuitton monogram, or a deep gray suede). Antoine Arnault, Louis Vuitton's communications director, is also said to be throwing Coppola a party after the screening of her new film, Somewhere, which will premiere Sept. 3 at the Venice Film Festival. [WWD]
A Louis for Louis! Sandra Bullock carried her baby, Louis, while her bodyguard did the heavy lifting. The new mama appears to be providing her son with several of our LilSugar readers' baby essentials including an Aden and Anais muslin blanket and Sophie the Giraffe squeak toy and teether. But the actress added a luxurious diaper bag to the mix. Louis's Louis Vuitton Speedy tote has been personalized with his monogram, which costs a whopping $1,000! Only the best for baby Bullock!
