Costume Institute Gala: Rihanna in Dolce & Gabanna, Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs, Posh in Marc Jacobs

Last night was the most important night in fashion - the Metropolitan’s Costume Institute Gala. More important than the Oscars? Yes. We’re talking about all the fashion heavyweights - models, designers, and the celebrities who wear their clothes all come together to celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibit. This year, the Gala was hosted by Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss - appropriately enough, as the theme was “The Model As Muse.”

Movie stars, designers and their muses came dressed to impress and what follows below are highlights from the red carpet. Trends included lady tuxedos, big shoulders, gold and lame and lots of blue in an assortment of shades from midnight navy to 80’s teal. One of my favorites was Rihanna in a lady tuxedo by Dolce & Gabanna with gorgeous exaggerated shoulders and sleeves complete with bow tie. Another favorite was Stella McCartney’s lace jumpsuit - it’s something that I really need in my life - now (because I go to so many galas, haha).

Costume Institute Gala: Madonna in Louis Vuitton, Liv Tyler/Kate Hudson/Stella McCartney all in Stella McCartney, Kirsten Dunst in Chanel

Louis Vuitton had a strong showing with Madonna, Leighton Meester and Kerry Washington all sporting looks right off the runway. The Double C’s were also spotted on the red carpet with Kirsten Dunst, Diane Kruger and Anna Wintour all sparkling in Chanel Haute Couture. Model muse Sasha Pivovarova wore a gorgeous feather coat by Giambattista Valli that overshadowed the dress that she wore underneath - and that’s ok. She was a great example of picking one piece to shine and letting it be the focal point with understated accessories.

There were many gorgeous looks last night and I’ve chosen my favorites to show you. You can see them all on the Style website. Let us know your favorites! Take the survey below and/or leave a comment.

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Images of Rihanna & Posh from People

Image of Tina Turner by Michael Wylie

If you can read, or watch television, you’ve probably heard about Chris Brown and Rihanna’s rocky relationship. A few weeks back, news broke that Chris Brown had allegedly beaten Rihanna. Rumors circulated, photos were leaked and police reports surfaced. The news was shocking, but for me, what was most shocking was that Rihanna took him back. Now, only the two of them know what really happened that night, but for the purpose of this post, let’s assume that Chris Brown really did assault Rihanna. If so, why, why, why would she go back to him?

Domestic violence is an issue that concerns all women - there are no race, class or religious exceptions - it happens across the board. Sometimes, when marriage and children are involved, the situation gets really difficult. Often times, women and children end up homeless or in shelters because they have no other way of surviving because they are dependent on the very person who is tormenting them. Even worse, most women who are murdered in this country are killed at the hands of their husband or boyfriend. If you are affected by domestic violence, you need to get yourself out of the situation, especially before marriage and children are involved.

Knowing whether someone will inflict harm upon you is not something that you’ll know from the get go, but there are definitely hints to look out for such as: past history (ie, they were a victim of domestic violence as a child), past relationships and anger issues. If at any point you are in a relationship where you feel threatened or are assaulted, WALK AWAY and don’t ever look back. You will not change him. If he did it once, he will do it again and again. And, most importantly, it’s not your fault. Emotional issues may come up but you can always communicate about them without violence. If you can’t then you’re not with the right person.

Many girls looked up to Rihanna as a style icon and inspiration. Now, all I can say is please don’t follow her lead. She’s setting a very bad and dangerous example. You need to respect yourself enough to know how you should be treated - and physical violence is definitely not in the mix. You may or may not be able to physically counteract an assault, but you can definitely walk away and decide to never put up with that again. The sooner you walk, the easier it will be to get out of an extremely difficult and uncomfortable situation. Stand up for yourself, respect yourself, and know how you deserve to be treated.

Miss Sixty’s Fall 2009 Fashion Week show exhibited its fair share of variety, with looks ranging from leopard-patterned tights to all-leather outfits. Also seen were belted dresses, fishnet stockings (multiple times!), and Miss Sixty’s take on the trendy boyfriend jean in a look reminiscent of one seen on Rihanna when she attended Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards last year.

One look in particular that’s sure to catch your eye is the printed halter dress that appears to be a collage of vintage magazine covers. Genius! Paired with the model’s black fedora, it was a perfect hybrid of vintage fashion and 21st century style.

In addition to bleached denim and patterned stockings, models also rocked patterned jeans. In other looks, models were adorned with fabulous fingerless gloves - both long ones and short ones - that are absolutely to die for. If that’s not enough for you, there were also a number of puffy, futuristic coats that made their way down the runway, one version in particular (seen in both black and white) that could be worn as a dress if you really wanted . . . and had the courage to pull off.

How can one possibly sum up the Miss Sixty show? Well, it’s safe to say that this runway exhibited a look for every personality type imaginable, but here’s some words to keep in mind about this collection as you go about your day: fishnets, fedoras, denim, and leather. All the necessities in life.

Read the full story to see more photos.

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I’m diggin’ the new promotional artwork for the upcoming 51st Grammy Awards. It’s good to see the Grammy people using design techniques that are a little more up to date, as opposed to some of the dated looks they’ve used in the past.

The above portrait of Rihanna, contains text from song titles from a list of at least 15 songs that inspired her, including the Destiny’s Child songs: “Say My Name,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Survivor,” “Independent Women” and “Lose My Breath.”

The art will be featured on billboards, TV spots and online campaigns worldwide.

Check out other Grammy artwork of Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Lenny Kravitz at Spinner.com.

Image & Source.

This past July we reported that Rihanna was to be the face of the Gucci x UNICEF campaign for 2008. Since 2005, the luxury brand Gucci has been partnering with UNICEF to raise funds and awareness. The collection entitled the “White Tattoo Heart Collection” features graphics inspired by old school tattoos’ as well as Rhianna’s cluster of start tattoos on the back of her neck. The collection dropped this week at a star studded event at the NYC flagship store and is currently available on-line. Not all styles are available for immediate shipment but pre-orders on those styles are being taken. 25% of your purchase will go to support UNICEF programs for orphans and children affected with AIDS/HIV in Africa. You have until January 31st to make a purchase that will benefit this worthy cause.

See the entire collection and more video after the jump!

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I just saw the new Disturbia video - it’s a bit of a departure for Rihanna but she still looks beautiful as ever. Her styling is pretty cool too, I especially like her manicure. The video is a bit reminiscent of old Nine Inch Nails videos but you can see for yourself . . .

Melody Ehsani is a girl after my own wallet - she likes her earring big and her heels higher! She’s taken bamboo earrings to new heights and her jewelry has been worn by leading ladies such as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Ciara. Her stilettos are not for the shy, but for ladies who know what they want, and aren’t afraid to get it. Not only does she make beautiful accessories, her purpose is noble:

My style is inspired by paradox, controversy, justice and pushing the envelope in showing that you truly can’t judge a book by its cover. I design to upset the equilibrium. I design to inspire. I design to serve. I design because I was created to do so. A portion from each pair of Ehsani shoes purchased will go towards the advancement and education of women in our society.

Check out Melody’s site, blog and myspace. And, lucky for you, she sells her stuff online. I had a hard time picking pieces to feature here because I loved so many of them. The cheetah print Swarovski crystal bamboos are insane! She also does 3-finger rings that you can customize “id” style.

Check out some other favorites after the jump . . .

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Gucci has been pretty active raising money for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Foundation, and in it’s latest project, it’s chosen Rihanna as the face of the campaign. Gucci designed a collection called “Tattoo Heart” all the pieces feature a “tattoo-style heart motif” and 25% of the proceeds from the sale of the collection going to UNICEF. This is not the first time Gucci and Rihanna have worked together: In February, Rihanna performed at a Gucci fundraiser for UNICEF and helped raise $5.5 million. Frida Giannini, the designer for Gucci, explained her choice:

So when we decided to dedicate a full ad campaign, more than just creating products, to really come out and show our commitment to UNICEF, we wanted someone with a strong personality,” Giannini explained. “I felt a musician and a beautiful woman was the perfect icon for this campaign.

The ads were shot in Paris by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and will be in December magazines.

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Photographer: Daniel Jackson / Rihanna

Rihanna will be visiting the H&M at 640 5th Avenue in NY on January 31st to support Fashion Against AIDS by presenting her t-shirt design and signing autographs for a limited time. The collection features t-shirts and hoodies designed by Rihanna, Timbaland and other well-known designers, musicians and artists and will be available in select H&M stores beginning January 31st.

“Supporting YouthAIDS through the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause,� says Rihanna. via nitro:licious

Will you be there?

H&M 5th Ave & 51st Street - Flagship Store
640 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
212.489.0390

For more info:
H&M x Designers Against AIDS (DAA) Launches “Fight Against AIDS�