Kim K channeled her inner black swan while signing autographs for fans in Dallas, TX. She dazzled in a full-skirt Alaia dress, nude Christian Louboutin Lucifer pumps, and a chain Roseark necklace. Unfortunately Kim's embellished heels are no longer available online, but you can get the same style in black here.
>> We can't slip into a pair of breezy sandals or peep-toe booties for another (tortuous) couple of months, but there's no harm in checking out what's available so when the weather's ready, we're ready, too. Our favorite pairs — ranging from Alaia stitched sandals to Miu Miu striped ballet flats — are sure to take you from a freezing 24 degrees to the high 70s in no time at all (we hope). The Groundhog did predict an early Spring, after all.
The lovely Gwyneth Paltrow recently appeared in Switzerland wearing a pink knit dress from legendary designer Azzedine Alaia. Alaia, who counts Naomi Campbell and Stephanie Seymour as muses, is one of the most coveted designer brands and carries major fashion cred. Why is Alaia so special? His body-conscious knit dresses are tailored to be ultra feminine and flattering, which is why they are in the closets of the most stylish celebs and fashion insiders. Alaia is also hard to find — the reclusive designer doesn't show during Fashion Week and doesn't have a website — and the expensive dresses are found only in high-end stores like Barneys. Still, we love the look, so here are some of the cult designer's best dresses . . . and the women who love them.
After spotting Vanessa Traina sporting a pair of cropped flared trousers during Fashion Week, we had to try it out for ourselves. At first glance, the silhouette might come off as unflattering, but we have a remedy for that — high heels! Shop two divergent ways to wear this cool pair —we love the leg-lengthening pinstripes — from Diane von Furstenberg ($295), now.
Cozy Equestrian (Left to right): Diane von Furstenberg Cavaro Pinstripe Pant ($295), Erro Shearling and Leather Vest ($795), Richard Chai Funnel Neck Sweater ($298), Phi Skinny Belt ($51, originally $205), Reed Krakoff Boxer Suede Tote ($1,090), Brooks Brothers Burgundy Socks ($18), Alaïa Lace-up Leather Boots ($1,790)
Mixed Prints (Left to right): Diane von Furstenberg Cavaro Pinstripe Pant ($295), APC Leopard Cotton Sweater ($150), Alexander McQueen Purple Skull Ring ($280), Guess Cross Necklace ($28), Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Messenger Bag ($295), Isabel Marant Poppy Suede Pumps ($620)
Wonderland fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois took a spin in sportswear on Paris Fashion Week day three, donning a pink Prada chunky knit crewneck sweater and gray fleece skirt. Grab a similar look — which Sarr-Jamois elevated with speckled satin booties and gray textured tights — with a bright Topshop knit sweater, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel A-line knit skirt, and textured Alaia booties.
Left to right: Topshop Slouch Jumper ($125), Movado Leather Watch ($695), Julia Sarr-Jamois at Paris Fashion Week, Jonathan Aston Ribbed Tights ($9, orginally $15), Topshop Texture Ring Set ($18), Alaia Black Grommet Booties ($796), Sonia By Sonia Rykiel A-line Knit Skirt ($341), Isabel Marant Fringed Leather Bag ($875)
Photos: Greg Kessler
>> Last week, Oscar de la Renta drew a lot of heat for his frustrated comments on Michelle Obama's decision to champion small fashion houses, wearing Thakoon and Jason Wu over Donna Karan or Ralph Lauren:
American fashion right now is struggling. I think I understand what [Obama and her advisers] are doing, but I don’t think that is the right message at this particular point . . . I don’t object to the fact that Mrs. Obama is wearing J.Crew to whatever because the diversity of America is what makes this country great. But there are a lot of great designers out there. I think it’s wrong to go in one direction only.
He got particularly pointed about Obama's choice of an Alaia cardigan to meet Queen Elizabeth: “You don’t go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater.”
Needless to say, fashion community feathers were ruffled — Paper's Mickey Boardman blogged a piece requesting de la Renta to "hush": "It's beneath de la Renta's dignity as an elder statesman of American Fashion to consistently complain and criticize a First Lady who has done so much for American fashion."
Look who showed up looking soft and velvety? It's the gorgeous Penelope Cruz. The actress chose a body-hugging silhouette in black velvet Alaia — very lush. Check out the bronze halter piece; very unique. To add some color, she wore ruby earrings, but kept her clutch black. Are you loving or hating this?
Vote on all of my Screen Actors Guild Awards polls here!
Rihanna looked like a vintage vixen in a two-piece Alaila Houndstooth set at this year's Jingle Ball in NYC. The songstress paired her printed ensemble with sleek black Christian Louboutin pumps and lots of jewelry. A daring and dazzling way to wear a classic print!
Azzedine Alaïa
Tunisian-born fashion designer, heyday in the 1980s. He briefly worked for Dior and Guy Laroche, and by the end of the 1960s had his own couture business on the Left Bank. Alaïa went on to produce the prototype for Yves Saint Laurent's famous Mondrian dress and also worked for Thierry Mugler. In the 1980s, his own stretchy dresses and bodysuits came to define the Lycra revolution.
Alaïa was referenced in the mid-90's teen hit Clueless. When mugged at gunpoint, Alicia Silverstone's character protests to kneeling in a parking lot because she is wearing one of the famous clingy dresses designed by the "totally important designer."
Today, the Olsens are huge Alaïa fans.
Pictured: The designer with model Stephanie Seymour.
