azzedine alaia

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Diane Kruger impressed in a silver formfitting Azzedine Alaia gown at last night's screening of Farewell, My Queen in NYC. While we're consistently awed by her effortless glamour, it's her dress's impeccably sleek tailoring and body-hugging silhouette that takes the cake. Sure, Diane maintains a diminutive figure pretty much always, but we can't help but notice that the soft textured material of the gown accentuates every curve — a sexy way to show off all those gym sessions. Like any perfect look, we're inspired to rethink how we dress, style, and flatter an athletic build. Before you shop our handpicked pieces to flatter your form, read our no-fail styling tips now.

• Know your shape. From an enviably defined back to toned calves, an athletic, toned body type appeals to many silhouettes; your styling strength stems from knowing how to highlight your best features. Example: have muscular quads? Steer clear of skirt hems that stop midway on the thigh — elongate your leg by letting the skirt hover at the knee.
• Opt for an open neckline. For most athletic builds, a scoopneck or V-neck shape, as well as contoured straps and spaghetti straps, flatter the upper body best. Why? A lower neckline offsets stronger features and can visually elongate the torso.
• If you've got it, flaunt it. You've been blessed (and worked very hard) for your lean frame, so show it off. Make sure that the tailoring is just right — but not too tight — so that a well-defined form can reap the benefits.
• Master the art of illusion. If you want to create the look of curves, opt for a waist-cinching silhouette. It will instantly provide a more feminine shape.
• Tap into your feminine side. To draw attention away from hard lines, gravitate toward soft materials (silk, jersey, washed cotton), subtle intricate patterns, and pretty colors. Don't overwhelm your outfit with bold graphic prints and harsher palettes.

Check out these stories and more in our daily news roundup.

• According to anonymous sources, Vogue has already shot Lady Gaga for the cover of its all-important September issue, just in time to tout the release of her first fragrance. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott have reportedly already photographed the singer. She last covered the magazine in March 2011. [WWD]
  

• The Simone Handbag Museum is set to open in Seoul, Korea, come July. Among the 300 examples of bags that will be on display are an English silk satin sweetmeats bag that dates back to 1580 and a gold-covered drawstring bag from Boucheron made around 1880. [T Magazine]
  

• Azzedine Alaia is said to be interested in opening his own boutique at 5 Rue de Marignan in Paris, not far from Christian Louboutin, Prada, and Nina Ricci outposts. Alaia currently only sells his clothing through retailers like Barneys and Net-a-Porter. A representative for the brand declined to comment on the rumor. [Fashion Etc.]
  

• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, whose stints as an actress and underwear designer have kept her from walking runways of late, returned to the catwalk Monday to kick off Sao Paolo Fashion Week. Huntington-Whiteley modeled two looks during the Animale show. [Modelinia]
  

Miranda Kerr might have appeared all business as she chatted on her phone during Paris Fashion Week, but her high-fashion ensemble oozed sex appeal. From head to thigh, the model donned a stylish yet balanced outfit — polka-dot blouse, black skirt, and collarless jacket — then slid on a pair of fierce thigh-high Azzedine Alaia leather boots, which took her look to a whole new level. This ensemble is perfection for Paris, but with a few minor tweaks, it can also be worn at the office. Style a polka-dot top with a solid black mini, then switch the racy boots for a pair of opaque tights and suede ankle booties.

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>> Designers are clocking an increased demand for the high-end side of ready-to-wear — demi-couture, as it's called. Mary Katrantzou's Jewel Tree dress, left, which required four studios putting in more than 150 hours to make, caused one seamstress to cry, and retails at $14,200, sold 18 units this Fall. Matthew Williamson president Joseph Velosa reports: "Pieces over $5,000 now account for six percent of our business. To put that into context, two years ago we sold nothing at that price." And Azzedine Alaia joined the couture schedule in July, showing what he called "semi-couture" — pieces which could be purchased as-is — to much acclaim.

Although these clothes have price tags that run mid-four to five figures, they are sold off the rack through the typical retail channels, rather than involving the time commitment of multiple atelier fittings like a couture piece does. Katrantzou's Jewel Tree dress, for instance, is currently available on Net-a-Porter and can be delivered next day.

Jason Wu, who has a houndstooth tweed overcoat with gold bullion embroidery for $15,000 and started using Paris ateliers like Lesage and Lemarie a few seasons ago, says: "Between all the designer collaborations and everything that's going on, we need to give people a reason to buy. There are some things that just can't be done for cheaper."

And Prabal Gurung, who is selling a hand-painted organza and braided chiffon gown for $15,000, adds: "There's a customer who wants this stuff, but it's like one in each city. You hope to sell a lot, but five total is great."

>> Azzedine Alaia allows Beyoncé to poach from his archive, because the adoration is mutual. He listens to her music every day, he says, and can even dance the steps from her "Single Ladies" video. "Her music is invigorating; it really brightens my mood and fires my imagination. Beyoncé is a beautiful, elegant woman who is also a wonderful dancer. And her voice is sublime." [Harper's Bazaar]