Those Olsen twins sure know how to put on a show. In an Upper East Side townhouse decorated with antiques — not to mention scented candles, roaring fireplaces, giant vases of cherry blossoms, and silver platters of tiny macarons — the recent CFDA winners presented a Fall 2013 lineup for The Row that was so stunning, it caused more than one first-time attendee to sigh "now I get it" upon leaving.
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Which is actually a pretty understandable thing, because the pieces the Olsens make are so subtle in their beauty that they have to be seen up close to be believed. The duo developed their own fabrics for the season, and by keeping the lines of their Eastern-tinged wrap jackets, kimono coats, and origami dresses structured and clean, those gorgeous fabrics could really shine. One seemingly simple ankle-length surplice dress with a built-in foulard, for example, became intoxicating upon closer inspection thanks to the subtle shimmer of its silk "vine" jacquard, while a V-neck top with wide, three-quarter-length sleeves was irresistible due to its impeccable geometric silk-wool cloque weave.
The Row Fall 2013 Runway
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's The Row Fall '13 show was one of quiet elegance. Set in an Upper East Side salon, the threadbare Persian rugs and scattered Asian-inspired midcentury and antique seating set the backdrop for meticulously tailored coats in heavyweight nappa with Persian lamb, gracefully cut tops in foulard silk jacquard and silk crepe de chine, sleek column jumpsuits in merino wool, and architectural skirts in scuba viscose and a vine flower silk jacquard. The strict black, white, eggshell, and taupe color palette was accented with auburn shoes and smooth, minimal calfskin and alligator top-handle bags that reflected the refinement and attention to detail the brand is known for. See the full collection here.
Nicolas Ghesquière Gets Social, Michael Kors Gives Big, and Georgina Chapman Has Big News

Those stories and more here, in our daily news roundup.
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Best of 2012: Who Is the Standout Designer of the Year?
It's time to pay year-end homage to the designer who stood out above the rest, and we can't do it without your help. Here's the thing: there was a plethora of fashionable talent to watch in 2012, but we've narrowed it down to five individuals who consistently stole the show with a genius mix of gorgeous runway fodder and red-carpet wins. So which designer really knocked your socks off? Was it Raf Simons, the newly minted creative director of Christian Dior? Did Joseph Altuzarra's luxe nomadic runway pieces speak to you? Was it Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's minimalist aesthetic for The Row that impressed you most? Were you dying over Prabal Gurung's red-carpet creations (hello, Jennifer Lawrence at the Hunger Games premiere in LA)? Or is it Hedi Slimane's cool-girl overhaul of Saint Laurent Paris that resonates with you? Vote for your favorite designer of the year below!

5 Fresh Celebrity Styles That Wowed Us This Week and Why!
We spotted several trendsetting celebs working chic ensembles this week, but there were a handful of starlets who were extra inspiring. Emily Blunt dazzled on the red carpet in an orange crystal-collar Alexander McQueen gown in London, Kim Kardashian worked a white-hot Miami look complete with snakeskin Christian Louboutin pumps, and Rihanna showcased a superior streamlined silhouette in Dolce & Gabbana and Alaia in West Hollywood. But that's not all; Mandy Moore taught us that colored denim isn't restricted to Summer, while Gwen Stefani debuted the coolest travel style we've ever seen. Get a closer look at this week's star-studded celebrity styles and find out why we were wowed by their spotlight-worthy ensembles.
Score Rihanna's Black Lace-Panel Skirt, Sheer Ankle Boots, and More!
Rihanna worked a black lace-panel Dolce & Gabbana pencil skirt ($1,545) with a sleeveless sweater top by The Row ($450) and sheer Alaia ankle boots ($1,230) while being crowned queen of the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. The trendsetter's black-on-black ensemble could not have been more appropriate for her newly bestowed honor, while her gold anklet, dazzling hand bracelet, and bevy of eclectic rings injected the perfect amount of bling. The intricate detailing of Rihanna's gorgeous pencil skirt will instantly add polish to any ensemble, so work her exact top, skirt, and booties for an edgy night out or swap her sleeveless topper for this sheer red Do & Be blouse ($50) to take you from the office party to cocktails with the girls.

Rebecca Minkoff's New Job, The Row's Innovative Award, and Prada's Next Location

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Those stories and more in our daily news roundup.
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- Rebecca Minkoff is now moonlighting as a contributing editor for InStyle. She'll write an advice column called Ask a Designer for the magazine over the next six months. [WWD]
br> - Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's label The Row has been named one of WSJ. Magazine's Innovators of the Year. "The twin designers display an eye for nearly monastic classicism that's redefining American luxury," the magazine says. [Fashionologie Inbox]
br> - McDonald's is suing the city of Milan, claiming it was forced out of its location there to make way for a Prada store. [Vogue UK]
br> - The massive $20 million class action suit between models and a variety of New York modeling agencies isn't the industry's only big court case. Ford has sued Women Model Management for "poaching" two of its rising stars, Alana Zimmer and Karolina Waz. [NY Post]
br> - In other courtroom news, a lawsuit has exposed the "Aircraft Standards" to which the male stewards on Abercrombie CEO Michael Jeffries's private jet must adhere. The guys on Jeffries's flight staff must wear flip-flops, pop the collars of their polo shirts, and always respond to requests from the boss with "No problem." [Bloomberg]
br> - A few British tabloids have reported that Ben Stiller offered Lady Gaga some $5 million to appear in the sequel to his seminal '90s modeling comedy Zoolander. [Fashionista]
br> - Lovers of colorful staple pieces, rejoice! Uniqlo will debut its online store next week. [The Cut]
The Row Spring 2013
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have mastered the art of luxurious and laid-back styling, so it comes as no surprise — but it's certainly a welcome one — that The Row's Spring offerings are a slick combination of the two ideals. Silky wide-leg trousers, long tailored blazers (some adorned with pom-pom embellishments), column dresses, and robe-like overcoats all made the minimalist-tinged cut. Check out the all the pictures from The Row's Spring 2013 collection, and come back soon for our full review.
The Row Spring 2013
In pale hues that gave way to crimson and navy, the Olsens offered up a gorgeous take on refined minimalism for Spring 2013. Silk was the fabric choice, and it came gently tailored and romantically layered on languid silhouettes that felt slouchy and elegant all at once. The duo said that they were inspired by American folk, 18th-century Japanese artist Ito Jakuchu, and the English countryside, and even though the interpretation here was ever-so subtle, somehow it worked.
A Chignon-Ponytail Hybrid You'll Wear Again and Again
Was it a ponytail or was it a chignon? Whatever you prefer to call it, this cool, twisted updo was the buzz at The Row's Spring 2013 show.
The look: A part-ponytail, part-chignon updo; healthy, lacquered nails; bushy brows.
The inspiration: The Olsens in a British garden.
Who would wear it: Marie Antoinette on the Met Gala red carpet, or in reality, the woman who wants the standout hairstyle.
Source: Greg Kessler





