Ella Sunglasses

When I was a kid I dreamed of looking as fierce as the crime fighting superheroes in my cousin’s comic books, alas only Lady Gaga can pull off a catsuit. Fortunately for me, and the rest of us, Louis Vuitton is adding a dose of super hero chic to spring 2010. LV’s Ella sunglasses give a welcomed update to traditional cat eye sunglasses. The laser cut aluminum frames get their superhero vibe from the added fluorescent visors that frame the frames. As soon as I get my tax refund I’ll be all over these, then people can call me Super Ana or something else that is a lot less lame.

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Left to Right: Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera, January Jones in Lanvin, Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham

Last night the Golden Globes aired and started the official round of 2010 award ceremonies. The Golden Globes is notoriously the fashion “dress rehersal” for the Oscars – and I really hope that this year, the Golden Globes are not an example of what we can expect at the Academy Awards. Everything from the fashion, to the actual show was very ho-hum BORING. I didn’t see anything that made me excited. It seemed like everyone played it very safe.

Left to Right: Christina Hendricks, Chloe Sevigny, Christina Aguillera

There were definitely some trends popping up on the red carpet:

• As far as color these were the major players:  Black, Red, Purple (in all of its shades) and Pale Pastels.
• Strapless – the most popular of the necklines – along with accompanying cleavage as an accessory
• Waist details – lots of cinching at the waist with beading
• Fabric flowers and ruffles
• Hair – either upswept or down and very natural (blame it on the rain??)
• Makeup – not too dramatic.  Most emphasis was on the lips – either very red or very pale.
• Umbrellas are the new black? Sorry, just kidding – but it was really funny to see Red Carpet shots taken with umbrellas.

Left to Right: Fergie in Elie Saab & Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

My very favorite looks included January Jones in Lanvin, Courtney Cox in a design by Victoria Beckham, Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton, Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta and Kate Hudson in Marchesa. There were 3 looks that I absolutely hated!  Mariah Carey and her boobs hanging out all over the place (did they have their own nomination??), Sandra Bullock in that sheer hot mess of a dress and Tina Fey in a Zac Posen dress that was actually not bad but did not suit her AT ALL.

The Worst! Left to Right: Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta & Tina Fey in Zac Pose

Who were your favorites?  Who did you dislike the most?? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!

Sarah Jane Owen of Sydney Australia

Christmas is over, and so is the New Years festivities that came soon after. It’s finally 2010, and all I have to say is WHERE DID THE TIME GO?! 2009 flew by in a flash, it was the year of Kanye West inspired interruptions, recessions, Chrianna Gate, the appointment of a black president, of course new heights in creativity when it comes to one of my favorite accessories: the sneaker. Sneaker Freaker Magazine has compiled a list of the best sneakers of 2009 straight from the feet of the supreme sneaker heads who rock them on the regular, in their live feature “Fiender’s Keepers: Best of the Best 2009″.

Amanda Lopes

2009 was the year was undoubtedly the year of sneakers being linked to famous faces, with Kanye West leading the pack by creating not one, but two pairs of highly coveted kicks, collaborating with heavy hitter Louis Vuitton and designing his first pair of Nikes, the Air Yeezy. Long lines and $1,000 Ebay listings later, everyone’s favorite loudmouth is only the tip of the iceberg.

NYC's own Kari Cruz of UNDRCRWN

Notable sneaker enthusiasts such as Producer/DJ A-Trak, Gareth Skewis of Pointer, and Ben Campbell of Melbourne Australia, counted down their favorite kicks of the year, the list encompasses higher end brands such as Lanvin, to the more tried and true companies such as Adidas and Nike. But let’s be real for a moment, a list just wouldn’t be a list without the ladies, and Sneaker Freaker has included some Very Important Female Sneaker Head’s we know and love, and some we’d like to know a little better.

Cecilia Sims of Saigon Customs

Cim Froeling of No Boy's Allowed

Sydney Australia’s resident femme sneaker head Sarah Jane Owen proclaimed her love for her Brooklyn bagged Air Jordan ‘Icey Pack’ kicks, while a M.I.S.S. favorite, photographer Amanda Lopez and UNDRCRWN’s Kari Cruz keep it simple in their ongoing admiration for Van’s classic Checkerboard Slip-On and the all white Supercorsa. Sometimes it’s too difficult to pick JUST ONE favorite of the year, so the Netherlands own Cim Froeling of No Boy’s Allowed selected three, while Cecilia Sims of Saigon Customs chose a shoe she designed for a client dedicated to the late great Michael Jackson. Although the picks from the worlds greatest sneaker enthusiasts most often began with Nike, Adidas, Vans, or ASICS the topping to the jaw dropping selections of coveted kicks came from our very own Liz Baca who brought us the features more refinded selection, that being luxury brand Chanel’s sneaker, and letting us all know that “lux brands are the new Quickstrike”

M.I.S.S. Liz Baca loves Chanel

Michael Jackson's influence will live on for generations

The Fashion Meets Music column is a new addition to the M.I.S.S website. We compile a list of style icons; Modernists, Eccentrics, Classics, It Girls, Rebels, etc., who impress us with their panache and decide on a weekly feature. The collision of fashion and music has always enamored me because the complete package of sound and style can elevate a live experience and inspire you to dazzle in an outfit. We even included two of the most desirable men alive; David Bowie and Pharrell Williams. However, I think its safe to say that 2009 was undeniably the year of the Avant Garde with Lady GaGa serving as its commander-in-chief. Thankfully, her stylist, Nicola Formichetti kept us faithful followers up-to-date with her performances and the genius designers behind the daring stage/everyday combinations that have caught the international fashion press abuzz as well as notable designers. The woman met  Queen Elizabeth!

Lady GaGa in Alexander McQueen

Pants were left behind and exaggerated shapes pushed forward. Especially in the sharp angular tailoring in the shoulders of jackets courtesy of Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, whose muse was 80’s luminary; the late Michael Jackson. Fashion in the Pop star world definitely became more tough and quite glittery. Accessories mirrored the look of body armor or came studded. Sparkly biker jackets and shiny micro-minis were all over red carpets and fashion editorials. Pink known for her edgy approach to, well, everything, and earthy Colombian songstress, Shakira both arrived at the MTV Video Music Awards in the same diamond chain embellished Balmain leather dress! Even the ladylike and mild mannered Beyonce transformed into Sasha Fierce dripping in Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Rihanna definitely stepped up her Pop star status with her daring outfits mixing well known designers pieces like Rodarte’s leather diamond laser cut leggings with independent designers like A-Morir by Kerin Rose’s Barracuda sunglasses in the “Run This Town” video. What do you think of her new video? I was feelin’ it until she jumped on a hot pink tank and straddled the cannon in a Mickey Mouse helmet. Oh RiRi.

Pink and Shakira in the same Balmain dress! Who wore it better?

Rihanna in her new video, "Hard"

I was raised by a SoCal mother who would escape to Mexico on the weekends, listened to Led Zepplin, and has the backstage passes in our photo albums to prove it. I’m a rocker at heart. I don’t think I was more excited than the mega return of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Karen O. Hands down the best show I attended this year; opened by Philly’s darling with the dirty mouth and M.I.S.S favorite, Amanda Blank. Karen O’s costume designer, Christian Joy created the visual splendor that she paraded in with her yoga-like stretches while belting out hits like “Heads Will Roll” and  ”Y Control” compelling me to ‘dance until I was dead’ Oh! Too easy. The giant eyeball bouncing about the stage reminded me of the Mishka “Keep Watch” leggings I was rockin’ this year which got just as much fanfare as completely appalled/disgusted looks. Other women who rock that we featured were, The Gossip’s lead singer Beth Ditto, 60’s French Ye Ye Girl Francoise Hardy, artist/fashion designer/Sonic Youth’s lead bassist and singer Kim Gordon, the adorable Katy Perry, and my personal favorite (whom I would probably have a Wayne and Garth “we’re not worthy” moment with if i ever met) Gwen Stefani.

The Almighty Karen O

Then there are the musician/designer collabos that set the internetz on fire. Kanye West and Louis Vuitton put out a few version’s of a high priced sneaker. Miley Cyrus and Wal-Mart recently teamed up for a capsule collection. The Kings of Leon (swoon) teamed up with the Paris-based creative collective, Surface to Air, on a flannel heavy collection of mountain-man staples. Kim Gordon came out with the Mirror/Dash collection at Urban Outfitters. The most enduring style stars that have developed their global brands the best have to be, Pharrell Williams at Billionaire Boys Club and Gwen Stefani at L.A.M.B. What were some of your favorite collaborations? And did you purchase anything?

Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Girls

I hope everyone has a fabulous New Year donning their prettiest sparklers, even if your in your PJ’s! Carrie Bradshaw killed it with her sequin hat a la the Sex And The City movie. So looking forward to the next one! And looking forward to discussing more of our fashion inspirations. Peace out 2009!

What I Want for the Holidays - Kartell Bourgie Lamp, Chanel 2.55 Reissue Bag, Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Canvas Key Holder, Army Surplus Helmet Bag, Alexis Mabille bûche de Noël for chocolaterie Angelina

My birthday is at the end of November (I’m one of the M.I.S.S. Sags!) so I end up getting lots of gifts at the latter part of the year. Sometimes birthday and Christmas gifts are lumped together and that’s fine by me because it usually means a bigger gift! My sister complained to me that all I like is Louis Vuitton and Chanel and it’s not fair for people who can’t afford that so I tried to include stuff in different price ranges – this is a WISH list after all!

Clockwise, from left to right…

1. Kartell Bourgie Black Table Lamp
As a new home owner (and someone who is pregnant) I’ve been trying to ignore the obvious fact of my expanding waist line and focused my creative and design sensibilities on home decor. One of the brands that I’ve discovered is Kartell. Based in Italy, they make modern furniture and accessories – much of it in plastic – but not in the bad stripper shoe sort of way.  They’re behind some iconic pieces like the Louie Ghost chair and the Bourgie Lamp.  The moment I saw the black Bourgie lamp I fell in love with it. I don’t even really have a place for it in my home, but I’m trying to find just the right spot to highlight this beautiful piece of lighting.

2.  Chanel 2.55 Reissue Bag
I know this is probably not going to happen, but until I get one, this Chanel bag will be on every wish list I ever make.  And, if I can find one circa 1950-60s – one that Mademoiselle Chanel herself designed – even better!

3. Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Canvas 6 Key Holder
I love the Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite canvas and I’m bummed it only comes in man bags – but that’s not stopping me! With my new house keys and car keys, I can use an upgrade on the keychain situation and this seems perfect.

4.  Army Surplus Helmet Bag
I’ve always loved army surplus stores and one of my favorite finds in them are helmet bags. I was in the process of developing a smaller version of one a few years back but that never panned out. So, I think I’m going to stick with the classic. It’s a durable bag that I can fit everything into – including my laptop. And, I think when the kid comes around it may very well be my take on a diaper bag.

5.  Alexis Mabille bûche de Noël for chocolaterie Angelina
I love Alexis Mabille and his various iterations of bows. His latest, in chocolate form, was made for hot-chocolaterie Angelina. It wouldn’t be a special occasion if chocolate were not involved! This looks almost too good to eat – almost!

Happy Holidays!!

xo,
GDK

A while back we posted about Madonna being featured in the new Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign and today the first images have been released.  The shoot took place in Brooklyn and was shot by Steven Klein.  I really love the look of these photos and Dolce & Gabbana always do a terrific job of capturing that old school simple Italian chic that Sofia Loren embodied. These photos are much better than the ones shot for Louis Vuitton’s past 2 campaigns where Madonna was looking a bit plastic. What do you think??

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Madonna will be the (rumored) featured face in the upcoming Spring Ad Campaign for Dolce & Gabbana

The Material Girl is making the fashion rounds again, at least according the latest from Swide, Dolce & Gabbana’s in-house online magazine. Music and fashion legend Madonna, who’s last major fashion ad campaign were her 2009 fall and spring spreads for Louis Vuitton, was rumored to have shot a Spring 2010 ad campaign for Italian design house Dolce & Gabbana at a studio in Brooklyn recently. Although the powerhouse fashion company did not officially confirm or deny reports as to whether or not her Madgesty would be the new face of their upcoming ad campign, their tweets from the shoot betrayed them: “We’re very, very tired but very happy as well…To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true”.

For now, Dolce & Gabbana are more or less keeping mum on the topic, so we can only imagine what fashion fantasy we’ll be privy to when the ad campaign launches early next year. We’ve already seen Madonna make Louis Vuitton’s bunny ears the new trend, will Dolce & Gabbana be all about crazy lion-manes? Maybe a puppy dog tail? Who knows, but it’s certainly something we’ll keep our eyes peeled for as we move closer towards spring!

Louis Vuitton limited-edition pieces, vintage finds, and monogrammed classics will be up to 70% off on Portero.com’s next Now or Never sale, this Thursday, October 29th, from noon to 5pm EST. To receive up to 80% off, you can easily register on Portero.com This rare selection of 19 pre-owned Louis Vuitton handbags and accessories includes:

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Multi-Exotic Skin & Monogram Canvas Oskar Waltz Runway Bag.  This limited-edition bag was offered only to VIP clients of Louis Vuitton, and will sell for $5,399 during the 5-hour sale.

Louis Vuitton Rare Pristine Vintage Red Epi Leather Giant Clutch.  This very rare piece is in pristine condition and will be priced at $396 during the sale (estimated retail value is $880).

L’Aime du Voyage or “the spirit of travel” is the first fine jewelry collection from Louis Vuitton. Spearheaded by Lorenz Baümer (the talented art director of LV’s fine jewelry), the collection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches show exemplary craftsmanship. The intricacy and delicate beauty of each set would leave you believing that the pieces are something of royal heirlooms dating back to the 1800’s.

The jewelry collection has three distinct features: the lace, the Louis Vuitton diamonds, and the precious stones.

The lace was created by Baümer to enhance each piece of jewelry with a soft, fabric-like element that plays on transparency through it’s assorted Louis Vuitton Monogram flower cut-outs.
The Louis Vuitton diamonds are diamonds in two special cuts: the LV Flower and the LV Star, shapes that pull inspiration from the famous LV Monogram flower pattern. The diamonds have between 65 to 77 facets which, in addition to it’s shape,  give it a brilliance that can’t be mistaken as anything other than the sparkle from a Louis Vuitton diamond.

The stones come in a variety of hues and tones so that strong statements  in design can be achieved through color. Gradients, monochromatic schemes and stark contrasts enhance the shapes and carry out the themes of each set.

There are five sets in the collection, each inspired by people and elements found across the globe.
The Massai set takes you to Africa, where the color found on the collars and bibs worn by the Massai tribe can be found reflected in each piece.

L'Aime du Voyage, Massai: yellow, white and red gold, fancy yellow and white Louis Vuitton diamonds, white and fancy yellow diamonds, blue, pink, yellow, orange and padparadcha sapphires, tsavorits, mandarin garnets, fire opals

The Geisha set is inspired by the world renowned Japanese performers it’s named after. The set features shapes that resemble the fans and umbrellas geisha’s use to accessorize as well as shapes inspired by plants from Japan’s landscape, the sakura and lotus.

L'Aime du Voyage, Geisha: white gold, Louis Vuitton diamonds, diamonds, padparadcha and pink sapphires.

The Seville set takes it’s name from a city that serves as Spain’s artistic, cultural and financial center. The set captures Seville’s fluidity and grace through the use of flowing lines and colors that stay along reds and pinks.

L'Aime du Voyage, Seville: white and red gold, Louis Vuitton diamonds, diamonds, spinels, pink sapphires.

The Shangai is an homage to the Orient with fiery colored precious stones against red and white gold, which slither and twist in designs that resemble flickering flames.

L'Aime du Voyage, Shangai: white and red gold, Louis Vuitton diamonds, diamonds, spinels and spessartits.

Last but not least is the Cabaret set, the French-inspired set that features shapes and colors inspired by the the lively movement of cabaret clubs with ocean-like colors for an added earthy element.

L'Aime du Voyage, Cabaret: White gold, Louis Vuitton diamonds, diamonds, sapphires and aquamarines.

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Rachel Navsik Handbags - your closet is calling for them!

When you think of handbags that you’ll keep for the remainder of your life (or until you’re generous enough to pass on), images and thoughts of high-end designer satchels and totes are more than likely conjured. It’s not a bad thing, either – we totally understand that a Louis Vuitton or Chanel handbag are investments, pieces to be treasured by you and ogled by others. But, how would you feel if we told you that you could score a universally-flattering handbag at a recession-friendly price? Surprised? Warm inside? We thought so.

Rachel Nasvik bags are the answer to every recessionista’s prayer. During times of penny-pinching and budget cuts, who wants to spend their hard-earned paycheck on a trendy clutch that’ll be out of season within a month? Using fine Italian leather, the designs are the brainchild of Chicago native/New York transplant Nasvik, who studied at FIT. Lined in royal blue cotton, each bag evokes a sense of nostalgia – fitting since Nasvik takes her influences from ’70s fashion. With summer drawing to a close, you can get the most bang for your buck by scoring one of Nasvik’s handbags… and trust us, there’s plenty to choose from. With prices starting at $49 (peep the Ava bag, a wristlet with a detachable strap) and most hovering below the $300 mark, there’s no better chance to scoop up an accessory that’ll live happily in your closet for years to come.

Nasvik’s pieces exhibit the perfect marriage between retro detailing and modern glamour. A mustard bag can be tacky, but in Nasvik’s case it works effortlessly with the high-quality leather she’s chosen to use. One of our absolute favorites is the Phoebe Bag ($279). Sort of like an old-school doctor’s bag, the piece features a detachable strap and zip closure.

The Ava Bag and Phoebe Bag

If versatility’s what you’re after, the Janice Bag should suit you perfectly. At $199, this convertible clutch can be worn as a smaller handbag (ideal for nighttime), or folds out to become a tote (when you’re running to class late after a fabulous night out). If you’re totally feeling the ’70s vibe like Nasvik, we’d recommend the Eleanor Bag ($99!) a “mini” that features a cross-body strap and gold chain. (We love that this bag makes us think of ’70s rollerskating rinks and Studio 54!) For the ladies heading to the office each morning, Nasvik stocks plenty of designs appropriate for the professional world. There’s definitely a fair share of hobos and totes to drool over!

So if you’ve been regretting never to shop for vintage in your grandmother’s closet, take advantage of the opportunity to cop one of Nasvik’s pieces now. Think of it as a 2-for-1 – you get the vintage flair, without the tacky detailing that can sometimes accompany it. For more information, visit the Rachel Nasvik official Web site, where you can purchase pieces or check out a local shop that carries the designs.