>> The Spring 2012 season is just getting started, and we've been backstage from the get-go, capturing the behind-the-scenes comings-and-goings. See Ruby Aldridge being attended to by small horde of dressers at Jason Wu, Constance Jablonski vamping it up in her white Cushnie et Ochs dress, the reunion of "Jourlie" — Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss — and a slew of other backstage shenanigans in the slideshow.
Photos: Greg Kessler
What happens when your favorite surfer girl gets dressed for work? The answer seems to lie in Rag & Bone's Spring 2012 collection. Models strode the runway — to a custom Thom Yorke soundtrack, no less — in layers that mixed sporty elements with Rag & Bone's signature tailoring. That meant long ponchos layered over sleek trousers, and the perfect blazer over a crocheted cropped tank and techy-fabric skirt. By now, it's clear that the sporty trend is one of the most dominant to emerge at Fashion Week, and we like the fresh, edgy approach designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville took here.
>> In a dim warehouse space on the way West side of Manhattan, under a hovering black ceiling installed with 2,000 light bulbs, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright sent out an amalgamation of ”Burning Man and seventies surf culture, along with all the tailoring you might expect from us,” according to Wainwright. Neon orange bikinis peeked out from under light knits; fabrics ranged from parachute material to mesh to crochet to tweed; and the models were styled to the hilt — velcro chokers went around every neck, and sunglasses were perched atop many a head.
As is the case every season, Revlon Global Artistic Director Gucci Westman created a makeup look for Rag & Bone. It's a show dear to her heart, since she's not just a makeup maestro, but is also married to the line's codesigner David Neville. Backstage, she said that she initially toyed with doing a strong lip look for the Spring 2012 show, but ultimately went with a nearly nude lipstick instead. "I just wanted it to be super easy," she said, adding that the neutral makeup palette didn't compete with the clothes. (Get the look with Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks in Demure and Silver City Pink.) And it's clear that Westman is a fan of the collection. She confessed to falling in love with a pair of Rag & Bone trousers, then taking them home — and unbeknownst to her, they happened to be destined for the runway. "David called me in a panic yesterday," she admitted. "Busted! How embarrassing is that?" In the end, all was well: pants were returned, the models looked fresh, and Rag & Bone looks destined to continue its string of enthusiastically received collections.
Our Summer days are spent almost exclusively in breezy lighter fabrics — and lots and lots of white. We used to wait anxiously to throw our Summer-exclusive whites on right at Memorial Day and make the most of all our favorite pieces before September. Of course, rules like that don't really apply anymore — who says you can't rock white jeans after Labor Day? We're firm believers that they look chic all year round, almost doubly chic layered up with the right pieces. In fact, there's a place for all your white staples long after the dog days of Summer are over. If you've ever doubted your LWD's autumn potential, or how you might style your creamy white maxi up for colder weather — click through to see and shop our styling solutions.
Blue jeans will always hold a special place in our hearts, but right now — and also into Fall — we plan on swapping out our per usual denim for a brighter hue. Colored jeans are popping up everywhere in vibrant splashes of red, cobalt, yellow, green, pink, and even turquoise. Try out a pair with a neutral silk blouse and slick pumps for a fun casual Friday outfit, or dare to colorblock with an equally tantalizing hue on top. Want to get your hands on some of the best pairs on the market? Click on for more cool color-treated jeans from J Brand, Rag & Bone, Urban Outfitters, and more.
>> Surf's up is not the way of Rag & Bone Resort 2012. “We’re not dressing her for a trip to St. Barth’s,” quipped David Neville, adding: "This collection is about how our girl dresses." Instead, focus fell on a working winter wardrobe. “Just two straight guys faffing around with chiffon,” joked Marcus Wainwright, indicating a sheer panel peeking out from a two-tone peacoat. Joking aside, the designers know their money pieces — their colored denim, currently selling like hotcakes, is reincarnated for Resort in a variety of colors, including one plum pair with a print derived from their paint-splattered studio floor (which was once occupied by the artist Matthew Barney).
Sicily is home to heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe's oldest active volcano. The coasts are gold with orange and lemon orchards, and each scenic region offers something totally different. When it comes to Sicilian vacation style, the most important thing to keep in mind is your shoes — it's inevitable that you'll do tons of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential. The climate during the Summer months is dry and hot, so keep cool with lots of easy, breezy cotton and linen fabrics. Skirts and sundresses are favored over shorts, so feel free to pack all your ladylike favorites. Whether you're stretched out on the beaches of Lido Mazzarò, hiking Mount Etna, or getting dolled up for La Passeggiata, we've put together some looks that will have you living la dolce vita in no time.
>> When you don't feel like donning vibrant prints this Summer, seek solace in these seven simple dresses. Whether it's a vintage-inspired denim dress or effortless coral shift, our picks will make for a chic standout – wherever you decide to go this season. Flip through the slideshow to see, and shop, our favorite pared-down options.
