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Fab Flash: Charlotte Gainsbourg to Model Balenciaga

FabSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:00:22 -0700

Nicholas Ghesquiere caved to the celebrity draw for Spring, choosing Jennifer Connelly to front his floral-filled Balenciaga ad campaign.

Although you all weren't fans of the result, Mr. Ghesquiere must have seen something he liked because now rumors are swirling that he's tapped French actress, Balenciaga muse, and Parisian-chic style icon Charlotte Gainsbourg to appear in his Fall campaign. Do you think she would be a good choice?

I think her off-kilter beauty is a fine match for the house. But you may recall his Fall collection was pretty severe, I don't know if seemingly shy Charlotte can pull it off. We'll have to wait and see!

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Paris Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Balenciaga

FabSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:00:22 -0800

Structure, rubber, and slits: That's what Balenciaga Fall 2008 is made of.

Although the collection had continuity from previous seasons - cocoon-shaped jackets, cropped fitted pants, and greyscale color - surprises still abounded. Pearl-encrusted and rhinestone costume jewelry draped around necklines and wrists, deconstructed velvet bandage tops popped in primary colors, and hand-painted warrior armor closed the show.

But oh, the shoes! Silver on black pointy toe heels, white booties with sheer latex fluttering off the back and stilted square lucite heels all stole my heart.

This collection is definitely a more pared-down group than Nicholas Ghesquiere has sent down the runway in the past, but that's not to say that it doesn't deserve less attention . . .

To see more Balenciaga, read more

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On Our Radar: Gap Spring European Collection

FabSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:00:22 -0800

If you're looking for an affordable collection with some serious fashion pedigree - bulls eye.

Designed with the help of Marie-Amelie Sauve, muse to Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere and fashion director of Vogue Paris, the newly in-stores Spring collection is full of nonchalantly chic tunic tops, shirtdresses, and baggy denim shorts.

Best of all, prices run $20-$70, with the exception of a cropped leather jacket ($358), so definitely check it out. After looking at this, I can't wait until Gap's other forthcoming European collaboration - shoes crafted by French designer Pierre Hardy - comes through the pipes.

To see more from the Spring Gap European Collection, read more

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Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part IV

FabSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:00:33 -0800

She's just full of fashion advice for us. If you missed them before, be sure to check out Nina Garcia's tips and insights for dressing fabulous. But it doesn't stop there. The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has more answers to your questions. Without further ado . . .

Can you name some great lesser known brands which might be more affordable but still stylish?

Some favorite lesser known brands that I love are Madewell and Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls. Madewell is a very well priced and terrific look that is well priced and with great pieces that are excellent additions to update your wardrobe. It is similar to J.Crew but younger in spirit and significantly priced less. Simply Vera is unbelievably chic at an almost shamefully low price. The collection is full, including shoes and handbags, classic knits, romantic dresses with charming embroideries. It is really well made and very fashionable without breaking the bank.

We all love a little luxury in our wardrobe but don't always have the means to indulge, that is why I love Uniqlo for their cashmere sweaters. They come in every color of the rainbow and style, all at an affordable price. A little more expensive but worth the splurge is Rugby by Ralph Lauren. Classic American sportswear with a twist, Rugby has an incredible selection of classic peacoats, tweed jackets and varsity sweaters. Not lesser known but a sure thing for both affordability and style are Zara and H&M.

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What skills do you really need to make it in the fashion industry?

I think it is important to posses creativity, organization, hard work ethic, practicality, humbleness, attention to detail and above all, a sense of professionalism.

Who are your top designers now and why?

My top designers of the moment are Raf Simmons for Jil Sander, Nicholas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs. There are countless designers that I admire but these particular designers are the true trendsetters in fashion. Their collections are what instigate the industry and set the tone for what editors will be talking about for the season and what women will be wearing. We consider them trendsetters because their designs are always copied by other designers and price points. These are the people who I look at keenly.

What's the stockings and shoes rule? Can I wear hosiery with peep toes?

The rule is that there are no rules! All of your style inquires are on par with what is currently going on in fashion. I prefer to wear opaque hosiery with open toe shoes during the colder winter months. I would recommend staying away from nude hosiery, as it is a very dated look. Hosiery with open toe shoes can seem quirky so pair it with a more feminine dress to balance out the look.

What is the best fashion advice ever given to you?

Do not follow trends and always be yourself.

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