The Goods!: New York Gets The Goods...It's Been Too Long! Shopping and food are a perfect combo! Here's the selection the ladies had to shop from.

It seems like forever!!! Six months to be exact, but I finally made it out to New York last week and JUST missed the snow!! YAY!! I had seven days to visit my cobbler and tailor, host a potluck and shopping party with the one and only Kerin Rose, have multiple meals out with my friends, a little bit of shopping and of course bring The Goods! to my accounts. I had the great pleasure of meeting Pamela Castillo of Market Publique and chatting vintage. A brief stop at the Nina/Delman Shoes offices to chat about their Delman exhibit at FIT: Scandal Sandals and Lady Slippers. Sadly I missed out on dancing but it was an intense work week, so work it was!

The Goods!: New York Gets The Goods...It's Been Too Long! Our very own, Kim gets The Goods! Here she models her "Prowling Ass Outfit". Jungle dress and bitchin' boots!

Make sure to check the gallery to see The Goods! available at Marmalade Vintage, Daha, Narnia, Zachary’s Smile and Portia & Manny! PLUS some nails did!

If you are in one of the World’s fashion capitals and  just so happen to receive the 6th annual campaign gift, then you are one lucky lady/gent.  New York  just so happens to be the first city to have the 2010 tote bag distributed around the city. Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong and for the first time Berlin will follow on the 20th.

YSL Manifesto

The newspaper-sized Manifesto inside has all the Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shots of Natalia Vodianova in the Spring 2010 collection. The pixelated strawberry is perfect for Spring/Summer. Even though I am not in one of the fashion capitals, I hope to somehow get my hands on one! Good luck to everyone in those cities. I look forward to seeing what YSL has in store for us this week!

YSL Manifesto

Photo source: Style.com

M.I.S.S. x Beauty Ticket Give Away: YSL Bow Collection Duo Lip Color Palette

M.I.S.S. teamed up with Beauty Ticket to give away a YSL Bow Collection Duo Lip Palette to one of our lucky readers! All you have to do is leave a comment with the following info: (1) name/age/location; (2) why you should win the lip palette. All comments need to be left by Monday, 1.11.10, Midnight PST. Good luck!

As connoisseurs of nail art, we are proud and honored to feature today’s Women Making History, London’s leading manicurist/pedicurist, Sophy Robson!

Sophy has redefined nail art. She has created signature manicures that have appeared in editorials, campaigns, videos, and she’s been copied many times over, something Sophy can’t help but find flattering.

More on today’s honoree:

Sophy Robson is the leading manicurist and pedicurist in London, with a salon The Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at Fortnum & Mason, London, where she is available for appointments.

Sophy is known for her signature treatment, the Medi-Pedi as well as the luxury 2 hour treatment for hands and feet the Turn Back Time, and her bespoke nail extensions. Her treatments have been recommended by everyone from vogue.com to the Telegraph magazine.

So what exactly is a medi pedi?

It is a very thorough overhaul of the feet, using a variety of skin scuffing instruments after which follows a rejuvenating exfoliation scrub and soak with petals. The lower leg and feet are then massaged and expertly polished to last several weeks. If there are any broken nails, a repair can be done which will allow a new nail to grow back healthily underneath.

Sophy Robson's site: www.sophyrobson.com

Sophy handles our M.I.S.S. survey...

Illustration by Richard Gray for Sophy Robson.

Sophy talks about the illustration above by Richard Gray:

This was my first sort of branding image, which I commissioned the supremely talented Richard Gray to design for me when I started my “by appointment service” at The Berkeley Hotel in 2005. I needed something that represented luxury and chicness,but which slightly captured my (at the time) bling personality, as I wanted to appeal to a very wealthy, fashion conscious clientele.

It made it into Vogue so I guess we didnt do too bad! When I met Richard he asked me about what my service was about, and I had recently done the triple colour V french tip nails in a Sunday Times Style editorial so we decided to use that. He then loved the fact that I used Diamancel files which are made of diamond chips so he came up with that diamond to stars image..and finally the SR ring was a way to identify my name and a nod to my love of hip hop culture.

…some people think its a little old fashioned looking but I still love it.

Editorial featuring YSL

Our Q&A with Sophy:

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

When I was growing up, my idols were Madonna and later Lil Kim as I admired their strength, independence and the way they were not afraid to express themselves. I have been inspired by all the smart, strong, sexy women I have met, who stand up for what they believe in.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?

As soon as I started learning to do nail extensions I had offers of work. Ok they were’nt all that great (my mum’s local hairdressers for example) but the point is demand for someone good was high. My first paying employer was NYNC, a now defunct nail bar chain. I was quickly promoted to managerial status, despite having no previous manager or business experience. They just thought I was a natural leader. My first campaign was for Jimmy Choo and that was down to me being one of the first good manicurists available to work on shoots. I had already done some editorial shoots with the stylist and the photographer on that, and they picked me to do the ad!

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite manicure that you’ve created?

I love the rainbow tips as quite a few people love it and have tried to do their own version which I find very flattering. I actually love it when people try to copy my ideas because it just inspires me to do even better. I have just done 25 exclusive nail designs for a spread in UK Elle magazine where I referenced everything from machine guns to cherry blossom as logos. It took a long time but it is definitely the most original and expressive work I have done yet.

Sophy's signature rainbow tips and soft cloud inspired nails.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

Rihanna, Kid Sister are 2 current icons who make a statement with their nails. I like working with anyone who is into nail style and appreciates where I am coming from.

Sophy's work with Kylie...

M.I.S.S.: What part of being a nail artist is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

There are so many little gripes associated with the fashion business. It is a harsh industry but you just have to shake it off and move on to the next day. I still love doing what I do and that is what I focus on.

Left: UK Vogue editorial, Right: Sophy Nails for Jeremy Scott SS ‘10 Show

Left: Tom Ford Campaign by Mert & Marcus, Right: UK Vogue editorial

M.I.S.S.: How did you make the leap from salon work to editorial work?

It was more of a gradual ascension than a leap….The first step was to go and see hair and make up agencies and show them examples of my work. This was around 8 years ago so there were only a few photographers and stylists that were interested in nails. Also the bugdets were tiny or non existent compared to now, so it was essential to have a constant source of income. I saw that in the U.S. manicurists were on shoots more often so I had a feeling it would change here and it did.

Left: YSL checkered nails in Russian Vogue, Right: Vogue hand shot

M.I.S.S.: When working on editorials, how much freedom do you have?

It has got way better! I find now that most people I am working with know me and trust me to come with whatever is appropriate for the image we are creating. Beige or mannequin nails has been a very popular choice for a while, so I am now a beige specialist with around 15 or more types of beige. Sometimes I get sent references before the shoot day so I can be inspired. It really depends on the job and what kind of shoot it is but I love being able to offer my input into the finished look. Sometimes we do something fun or weird or graphic, but other times a classic beautiful nail is all that is needed.

Left: YSL Campaign, Right: stunning editorial from Style Magazine

M.I.S.S.: Any new techniques that are your current favorites? Do you like Minx nails?

I have used Minx on editorials and a few clients that have requested it. Of course, I have done it on myself. I have to try every new product or technique that comes on the market.

I like the customisation idea – infact I would love to collaborate with them on some designs! I love the idea that you can create any design you want on a sticker. They had these machines which did it before but the image was so blurred.
I tried poppits but I prefer to sculpt freehand – they don’t really save me any time.
I give everything a go and love discovering new products, but you cant beat a brilliant traditional manicure!

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

Do not be over pushy. I can tell you that many people in fashion will be put off by that. You need to get it and work as part of the team. Always listen to what they want. Always focus on the speed and quality of your work.

Still from the Sugarbabes Hole In The Head video & some wicked talons for a make-up campaign

You can view Sophy’s art in action in the Sugarbabes “Hole In The Head” video on YouTube.

For more on Sophy and her work, please visit: www.sophyrobson.com

To see what’s inspiring London’s leading manicurist/pedicurist on the daily, visit Sophy’s Nail Blog—it won’t disappoint!

Kate Moss for YSL Parisienne

Last Night I put on my sparkliest of sparkles, met up with my homegirl Flores and went down to the Angel Orensanz Foundation to enjoy the Masquerade Party launch of YSL’s new fragrance Parisienne. The invitation required that all attendees wear stylish attire, and a mask, so I slipped on my handmade paper Das Gesichtsabdeckungsprojekt mask, which is part of a halloween photographic art project that my friend Andrew Stewart is doing and I was more than happy to oblige.

YSL Parisienne Masquerade At The Angel Orensanz Foundation

Kate Moss is the face of this new fragrance, and as I entered the event I viewed the video campaign that features a fair amount of Kate writhing. The notes of this new fragrance are vinyl accord, cranberry, blackberry, damask rose, violet, peony, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood and musk, and I got to sample it, from the bottles in the ladies room. To be completely honest, I don’t like it at all. I found the rose layer to be completely overpowering, and I despise the scent of roses. They instantly give me a headache.

Meowa!

Nevertheless, I had a great time at the party, it was great people watching, in all of the fabulous outfits and masks, and it was fun to dance to the tunes spun by the Misshapes and Alexandra Richards. I ran into High Snobette’s Samia Grand-Pierre, and photographer Lynette Astaire (who was in a crazy full body with a hood metallic bronze spandex outfit!) and blogger Lorna of The Fabulous Report. I even met a really nice mother and daughter pair who were partying together!

You can learn more about the fragrance at the YSL Parisienne website, and check out the video campaign featuing Kate Moss below.

M.I.S.S. NYFW: YSL Manifesto Fall/Winter 2009-2010

Yesterday YSL unleashed the YSL Manifesto for Fall/Winter 2009-2010 across the globe and M.I.S.S. was on the scene in the streets of Manhattan.  We were under the impression that the tote bags would be released at Noon.  I thought the tents would be a good place to post up since last year they distributed the bags nearby.

We arrived at the tents at about 11:45 to prep for the scavenger hunt that can be the search for the elusive YSL totes.  I was early so I went to the corner store to grab a drink.  I was in line waiting to pay and out of the corner of my eye I spotted a girl with a YSL Tote!  I thought to myself, “What?  It’s not noon yet!”

M.I.S.S. NYFW: YSL Manifesto Tote

I put down my stuff ran across the street, called M.I.S.S Michelley who was waiting inside the tent, and we made a mad dash to get totes.  Michelle got one before me and she tried to wrangle another one for me before I got there but the YSL girls were very strict this year – just a year ago I was able to get 5 bags.  Anyway, I got there in time to get one, but by the time I ran a few feet away to stash my bag away and try to get another for M.I.S.S Kim and M.I.S.S. Liz they were all out.  The YSL girls said that they would be distributing bags at the YSL store on 57th at 2:30 but when M.I.S.S. Kim’s mom showed up to get her one, there were people waiting for totes, but no YSL girls.  At least we got some totes…until next season…

If you missed out, check out the YSL Manifesto video below…

NYFW

The Super Models of the Late 80s - Early 90s

There was Twiggy in the 1960’s and Gia in the 1970’s, but the 1980’s was the birth of the Super Model. Not quite a brat pack, the late 80s – early 90s had it’s own clique of larger-than-life Super Models – the “Big 6.” There were definitely more than 6 super models back then but the main attractions that you would see in all the biggest campaigns and all of the important runway shows were: Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss*. Wherever these ladies went, cameras followed.

We still have models today but it’s not quite the same as it was back in the late ’80s – early 90s – with the exception of Gisele, no one has achieved the super star status of the “Big 6″ – we’re still talking about them today! These ladies made a big impression – so much so that Stefano Pilati, designer of YSL, has chosen four of the “Big 6″ for his last four ad campaigns.

YSL Ad Campaigns featuring from left to right: Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Christy Turnlington & Claudia Schiffer

For the past four seasons, “Big 6″ models have graced billboards and magazines all for YSL. Kate Moss shone bright in the jersey collection while wearing oversize star shaped jewelry, while leggy Naomi Campbell was photographed standing on furniture and wearing the tallest of heels. The most memorable of the bunch (mostly because of the locale), Claudia Schiffer was photographed with the infamous Hollywood sign in the Hollywood hills, while the latest ads feature an all-black clad Christy Turlington with slicked hair.

Will YSL feature the remaining 2 of the Big 6? Are Cindy Crawford & Linda Evangelisa next?

I love the ad campaigns. They hearken to the glamour of the 80s and the familiar faces, though older, look gorgeous as ever. So, I’m left with some questions… Signore Pilati, is this a coincidence? Or, is this part of a master plan to feature all of the “Big 6″ models? Are Cindy Crawford and Linda Evagelista next? I hope so! It’s refreshing to see women (not young children) selling products for women. I don’t know if this is a plan to feature the “Big 6″ but if I were a betting type of gal, I’d put my money on Cindy & Linda for the next two ad campaigns.

*Kate Moss came onto the scene a bit later in the earlier 90s when she made a splash in Calvin Klein ads. Though she was not an “original” super model. Because of the longevity and breadth of her career, I’m grouping her into the older supermodel category as she pre-dates the Gisele/current day era.

Fashion photographer Massimo Gammacurta’s photos are clever and ingenious in their simplicity. His work is extraordinarily beautiful, and no matter what the subject, you can expect a level of sophistication that you rarely find anywhere else. His newest project is called “Sweet Fashion, Lick Your Way To Success,” where he’s borrowed some of the world’s most iconic luxury logos and made them into lolipops! Gammacurta released these during fashion week and made lollipops using the Chanel, Gucci, YSL and Louis Vuitton logos.  The lollipops come in flavors such as watermelon, pomegranate, caramel, lilac, wild cherry and green apple.   Talk about the ultimate luxury – these would be fleeting, yet utterly decadent treats!

Read the full story to see more photos!

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One of the most highly-regarded collections of American and European costume is to be transferred from the financially-struggling Brooklyn Museum to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The move will allow for garments to be properly cared for and exhibited after a lengthy period out of public view, as due to the cost of exhibiting such pieces the collection has been in storage for more than a decade.

Two pieces from Charles James.

The 23,500 piece collection is to be integrated into the Met’s Costume Institute. Amassing over more than a century of collecting, it includes a definitive collection of Charles James material, as well as signature pieces by both American and international designers including Elsa Schiaparelli.  It’s big win for both the museums and fashion enthusiasts – by combining the Brooklyn collection with the Met’s current pieces we’re given an extensive timeline of fashion history.

Largely assembled from the closets of grand ladies of Brooklyn and Manhattan, the newly-named Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection will be a definite must-see for anyone interested in how fashion has progressed over the years.  Click here for an in-depth read about the collection and acquisition.

Above Top: Pieces from the Met’s Costume Institute collection include from top left: Yves Saint Laurent, two dresses from Courreges, two outfits from Rudi Gernreich, platforms from Ferragamo.

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Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Last month, we reported on Sofia Coppola’s collection for Louis Vuitton and more images are finally hitting the web.

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia had this to say about the collection to WWD:

“To start, I wanted to make a bag for myself and then we talked about making a little capsule collection. My friends and I are always searching for the perfect day bag. It fits all your things but isn’t too big and isn’t too heavy.”

The SC Bag, comes in four versions: one in dark gray suede, two in calf leather in dark blue and burgundy and one in LV’s signature monogram canvas.

Two more images, after the jump!

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