For Kim Kardashian, life is a runway, and she doesn't disappoint looking perfectly polished in a colorblock ensemble while shopping at Barneys in Beverly Hills. Ms. Kardashian tucked an orange Equipment blouse into high-waist Rachel Zoe trousers with platform Christian Louboutin pumps. Her tan Hermès satchel oozed sophistication, while her oversize accessories — gold hoops and gradient sunglasses — added a pop of flair. Copy Kim's entire ensemble when you shop now.
You've seen the bags on stylish women and celebs and heard their names thrown around, but would you recognize an iconic, luxury handbag? You stand to lose fashion street cred if you can't. Take our quiz on iconic bags, and learn what makes them so special.
If the holidays don't deliver everything you hoped for, the New Year is a pretty good time to gift yourself something extraspecial. A New Year means new resolutions, self-improvements — and an opportunity to turn our attention to making over our wardrobes with luxe investment pieces. This year, we've created a list of our favorite statement items — clothing and accessories with the ability to transform outfits with standout quality. Some are timeless, like an Hermès timepiece you'll treasure for a lifetime; others are worthy updates, like a pair of calf-hair leopard-print pumps to transform everything from your office attire to your beloved LBD. Just step inside for 15 end-of-the-year investment pieces that really are worth it.
Jennifer Lopez strolled arm in arm in NYC looking super stylish in leather Balmain pants and an off-the-shoulder, burnout tee with a turquoise peek-a-boo bra. J Lo accessorized her rock-chic ensemble with two pyramid stud Hermes cuffs and embellished '50s sunglasses. We picked a fur vest, burgundy crossbody bag, and matching nail polish to complete Jen's lunching look. Shop like items now.
Christophe Lemaire showed a minimalist collection bursting with color for Spring 2012. Hermés has built an empire on luxurious textiles; and this collection showed rich leathers in colorblocked styles that were simple but stunning. Our full review to come, but for now, check out all the pics!
>> LVMH, which has repeatedly said it doesn't want to make a bid for Hermes, has increased its stake in the house again, from 20.2 percent to 21.4 percent. Since first announcing it held a 14 percent stake in Hermes last October, LVMH has increased its holdings on Hermes to 20.2 percent in December and then again last month. Hermes shares have been climbing relentlessly since May on speculation that LVMH could launch a takeover, and LVMH has always said it would buy Hermes shares on the market. [Reuters, Forbes]
>> Helmut Lang seems pretty set about not coming back to fashion — he recently shredded the remains of his archives for an art exhibition — but that doesn't mean he isn't still being pursued. Apparently, after Jean Paul Gaultier decided to leave Hermes in May 2010, Lang was the firm favorite to replace Gaultier as Hermes creative director, W reports. But: When Hermes courted Lang, he refused — he wanted to continue his newfound career as an artist instead of returning to fashion — and the job instead went to Christophe Lemaire.
While Hermes womenswear contributes less than 10 percent of the brand's annual turnover, it does have a symbolic significance in the media and how the brand is viewed. And speaking of views, another Hermes family member has spoken out about Bernard Arnault and the threat of an LVMH takeover. Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the company's group artistic director, tells W: “Hermes has grown out of a family culture with a set of values that we all believe in. I am convinced it would disappear if the family dimension was taken away or diluted. You know, there have been a lot of very good, small restaurants in Paris that have been bought by big chains over the years, usually in the name of better management. But somehow their clients have stopped going, because they have lost their souls ... This whole situation has been an incentive to work even harder. I have told everybody, ‘Listen, guys — it’s time to be more Hermes than ever.’”
Nicky Hilton showed off her wild side while strolling around Malibu. Nicky rocked a loose black tank, cutoff Paige shorts, a classic Hermes belt, and leopard loafers. She finished off her Cali-cool style with a banded fedora, cat-eye sunglasses, and her favorite Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. Get Ms. Hilton's exact shorts and bag with other complementing items now.
Kourtney Kardashian worked a crisp Summer suit for a visit to the Vera Wang store in New York City. Kourtney's luxe accessories — an Hermès bag and lace-up Louboutins — dressed up her Bec & Bridge shorts suit. The tailored short suit is a sharp alternative to the seasonal dress for a result that's as sophisticated as it is unexpected. Shop our editor's picks below to get the look — then finish with a red lip and a few jeweled bangles to add femininity to the modern style.
