Kelly Rowland models one of her new TW Steel CEO Tech special edition watches
The wrist watch: a truly timeless accessory that will never go out of style. But that’s not to say the classy classic can’t handle a dazzling makeover! Enter Kelly Rowland—recording artist, style star, and worldwide brand ambassador for TW Steel. The stunning singer was in New York Tuesday evening to launch and celebrate her own collaboration with the Dutch watchmaker—two special edition timepieces in her favorite hues (pink and blue), with Kelly-approved details like sexy croc-print Italian leather straps, chic rose gold cases, and sparkling stones. #glam!
Pretty in pink–one of Kelly’s new TW Steel timepieces
“There’s nothing wrong with a little flash—it’s just enough!” Kelly told Videofashion about the “Kelly Rowland CEO Tech Edition” watches from atop NYC’s Standard Hotel. Donning an elegant Alexander McQueen frock—accessorized with one of her new pink timepieces, natch—the svelte Ms. Rowland described her watches as “quite blinged-out,” enthusiastically adding, “It’s a sexy watch!” Kelly’s personal style jives with the functional wrist bling. “[TW Steel] is an incredible, affordable luxury brand. It’s all about having that effortlessly chic look. That’s what I love about these watches,” said the “Ice” songstress.
A luxe, “blinged-out” watch—with Kelly’s signature on the flip side!—is indeed a sexy piece of army candy! But in the digital age of Siri reminding you it’s time to do everything but check the time, could the wrist watch be … obsolete?! Hardly, says Jordy Cobelens, CEO of TW Steel. “To be honest, you don’t need a watch anymore to know the time,” Cobelens admitted, “But it makes a fashion statement. That’s why the colors, details, and design are even more important.”
As fashion season will be upon us in a New York minute (really, people. This is happening. Tick, tock …) front-row-regular Kelly plans to pair her new timepieces with an array of paparazzi-primed ensembles. “From a dress to a suit—a t-shirt and jeans. It doesn’t matter what you rock [the watch] with, it gives it a flair.”
We’ll be looking for your fierce flair at Lincoln Center, Kell!
CFDA—if you speak fluent Fashion, you already know the meaning and significance of those four little letters. However, for the fashionably ambivalent, the acronym isn’t so widely recognized. In a very unscientific, albeit enlightening, Videofashion study, we hit the concrete to see if any random New Yorkers could tell us what “CFDA” stands for.
Brace yourselves.
“CFDA? [thinks for a long time … tick, tock … ]Center For Drugs and Alcoholism?” – Suit (nice try)
“The CFDA is, umm … the Coalition For Dramatic Artists?” – Assumed Dramatic Artist (getting closer!)
“Cool Female Dating Association?” – Cool Female (presumably needs a date)
“Catholics Falling Down Around … [laughs]. Is it at least Catholic?” – Presumed Catholic (we give up)
Marc Jacobs backstage with his Trova after receiving the 2011 CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award–that’s one dapper duo!
With the 2012 CFDA Awards taking place next Monday, June 4, here in the Big Apple, we thought it was about time to bring everyone up to speed on the CFDA—The Council of Fashion Designers of America—and what exactly this half-century-old, not-for-profit trade group does for our fine industry! Established by ground-breaking fashion publicist and arbiter of style, Eleanor Lambert, in 1962, the CFDA has since flourished into a supremely well-dressed body of over 400 American fashion and accessory designers, with a purpose of advocating for, celebrating, and nurturing design talent. Through the CFDA’s annual awards ceremony, and various scholarship partnerships and professional development resources—including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Fashion Incubator—the organization underscores the historical and cultural import of the American fashion industry as it honors members of the larger design community and fosters the Ralph’s, Donna’s, and Marc’s of tomorrow!
Now that all the Creative Fellows and Cool Females have the CFDA 411, let’s get down to the real important stuff—red carpets, celeb’ plus-ones, and shiny trophies! The CFDA Awards are unofficially dubbed the “Academy Awards of Fashion,” and Oscar has met his match in the CFDA Trova—the little molten man every CFDA Award nominee hopes to take home! The annual awards ceremony will be back on New York’s Upper West Side next Monday, attracting a throng of influential CFDA members, gifted nominees, their famous friends, and this year’s ceremony host, SNL’s Seth Meyers, to Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
As in past years, the 2012 roster of nominees and honorees has us seeing stars—literally:
Womenswear Designer of the Year: Will the Proenza Schouler boys take this title for a second year in a row? Or will the Olsen twins prove It Takes Two ( … of a Kind! Yeah, we went there …), and accept their first Trova for The Row? Wildcard—Marc Jacobs. Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree is back in the nominee pool this season. This could will be interesting …
Finale at Proenza Schouler’s Autumn/Winter 2012-13 show. The guys are nominated for two CFDA awards this year–Womenswear and Accessory Designer of the Year. #nobigdeal #bravo
Menswear Designer of the Year: Our favorite Southern gent’, Billy Reid, is in the running, up against the oft-nominated Patrik Ervell, and—low and behold!—our favorite British-American gent’, Simon Spurr! Predictions?
Accessory Designer of the Year: 2011 winner Alexander Wang is in the running again this year, up against doubly nom’d Jack & Lazaro. Rounding out this talented trio: two-time Accessory Design winner, Reed Krakoff. Our guess is as good as yours …
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent—Womenswear: Chris Peters and Shane Gabier of Creatures of the Wind bring Chi-town style to the nominee pool, while reigning 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Joseph Altuzarra is also in the running. Finally: will it be good style karma for ethical fashion designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty of Suno? Tight race—any ideas?
The A/W 2012-13 collection from Swarovski Award for Womenswear nominee, Creatures of the Wind.
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent—Menswear: It’s been five years since Phillip Lim took home this award for Womenswear, and in 2012, his popular menswear collection has been shown some nomination love. But don’t count out much-buzzed-about first-time nom’s, Antonio Azzuolo and Todd Snyder! Who’s your pick for the menswear win?
Swarovski Award for Accessory Design: Will LA’s Irene Neuwirth take home award bling? Not if NYC jewelry maven Pamela Love has anything to do with it! Perhaps shoe designer Tabitha Simmons has the heart and *sole* to claim the crystal?
The following ultra-accomplished honorees won’t be sitting on pins and needles Monday night—they’ve already been selected for their respective awards! This year’s Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award will go to four-time CFDA Award winner and King of Preppy with a Pop, Tommy Hilfiger! The 2012 Media Award will go to sartorial lovebird bloggers, Scott Schuman and Garance Dore (awww …). Captain Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka aside, we think Johnny Depp’s distinctive, unpredictable personal style has more than earned him this year’s Fashion Icon Award (We know—JOHNNY DEPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), just as Theory founder and prominent investor, Andrew Rosen, will rightfully take home the CFDA’s Founders Award. Finally, the 2012 International Award will be given to Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo for her indelible fashion influence.
The CFDA Awards’ glam-factor is always off the charts—watch the below videos from 2010 and 2011 for proof!—and we can’t wait to bring you all the must-see moments next Monday! Follow us on Twitter for our live tweets from the red purple carpet, and subscribe to Videofashion’s YouTube channel for our complete 2012 CFDA Awards coverage!
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and honorees—see you Monday!
Juicy Couture Fall 2012: L.A. Loves London at Chateau Juicy
It’s no secret that England is having a moment. The royal family is at peak popularity, the Summer 2012 Olympic Games are on the horizon, and people won’t stop talking about some show called … Downton Abbey (ever heard of it???). As for those cheeky Brit designers? Never been hotter! And then there’s the UK music scene. One word: Adele. Unless, of course, you’re a teen, in which case your music universe is now ruled by two words, but only one direction.
From the Sunset Strip to Sloane Square, an LBD is internationally chic.
The undercurrent of UK cool has likewise been on the mind of Juicy Couture Chief Creative Officer, LeAnn Nealz, who was in New York Thursday evening for “L.A. Loves London,” her Cali-based, casual-luxe label’s fall 2012 presentation. “We’re opening a store in London, and I’ve been working a lot in our London office,” Nealz told Videofashion inside “Chateau Juicy,” the posh Upper East Side townhouse transformed into a JC wonderland. In addition to Juicy’s latest retail outpost, Nealz also has an intimate connection with the UK. “My husband is actually English, so I spend lots of time there,” she explained.
While across the Pond working on the new collection, Nealz was inspired when an old familiar tune streamed from the office speakers. No, it wasn’t Adele (or One Direction), but “California” by Joni Mitchell! “So we were thinking ‘70s Sunset Strip with London mod,” said Nealz. The Pacific-meets-Regent-Street vibe was apparent: cabbage rose, plaid, and paisley prints were all in the Brit mix, while neon separates added SoCal sizzle. Soft, slouchy bags in bold hues and animal print boots at ankle and knee level were among the statement accessories. Nealz is especially excited about Juicy’s latest outerwear offerings. “I like the little fur poncho best,” she revealed, adding, “It’s all faux fur, which I feel very strongly about.”
A preppy fall look with Juicy attitude.
Among the JC-clad L.A. starlets paying a visit to Chateau Juicy: Anna Faris, Kate Mara, Emma Roberts, and Hunger Games actress, Leven Rambin, who amazingly didn’t show a smidge of fatigue after a grueling month of HG press touring! “It’s a little bit different from anything I’ve experienced before,” said the blond beauty of her crazy past month. “I’m just happy that people like the movie!” Decked out in a royal-hued Juicy frock, Rambin chose the dress for its, well, juicy color. “It looked like a blueberry—in a good way!” she said with a giggle (that’s Juicy, not juiced). Rambin was right in step with the evening’s theme. “I actually have a British boyfriend, so I really love London style!” she explained.
Be it City of Angels, Big Apple, London Town, or beyond, Nealz believes Juicy Couture style translates, and travels. “We’re very much a global brand. I just got back from Beijing—that was amazing,” she explains. “I don’t think it really matters where you are—you have exposure to everything now.”
Hunger Games actress Leven Rambin told us this was one of her favorite JC Fall 12 looks!
Superstar shades, faux fur poncho, neon separates, leopard print details: all in the Juicy mix.
The mane event: Lulu Johnson & Nicki Minaj join Betsey Johnson backstage at NYFW.
“Fake it till you make it!”—perhaps not the chicest of clichés, but when it comes to trying out a new ‘do, we say go faux or just say no! That other old adage, “It’s just hair—it grows back!” is all well and good, until the salon chair spins around, and one is confronted with the aftermath of shear genius gone terribly wrong. While Spring/Summer 2012 runway hair trends ran the full gamut—from slick, sporty ponies to tousled, twisted tresses—the most head-turning trend from backstage was a big secret. In our final Beauty Break blog for S/S 2012, we’re focusing on spring hair with something to hide—four runway styles that fooled the eye.
FAUX BOBS
Arizona Muse's signature bob showcased on Tory Burch's spring runway.
While we adore top model Arizona Muse’s now famous bob haircut, not everyone can (or should) commit to a chin-length chop. Short and sweet styles were a designer favorite at the spring shows, but stylists made sure the runway look was only temporary. Backstage at Tory Burch in New York, Eugene Souleiman created faux bobs to complement Burch’s flirty, retro runway. Souleiman began with a deep side part, then pulled long locks into a pony at the nape of the neck, allowing hair to fall over the ears and create the illusion of a chin-length style. To further trick the eye, Souleiman gently pulled hairs out at the back of the pony, creating a “bob-like volume.” Photographers at the end of Burch’s catwalk had no idea the lopped locks were just ponies in disguise until models made their return trip down the runway!
A hair-raising faux bob at the Fendi Spring/Summer 2012 show.
The trend continued in Milan, where hairstylist Sam McKnight gave Fendimodels stunted styles. “We’re doing a faux bob, teased back off the face, (with) lots of height,” McKnight told Videofashion. “She’s a mathematician who has a kind of mad edge,” McKnight explained his tress inspiration. The finished Fendi look was just as convincing as Burch’s bobs—from straight-on, you’d never know theseshort styles were long locks in disguise!
FAUX UNDERCUTS
“A quintessential English girl on a summer’s night out.” That’s how hair guru Peter Gray described the London-cool look he created for the Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2012 show. Gray’s team tousled tresses with Moroccan Oil styling cream to “give it some sheen and hold” and create a “nice loose and lazy texture.” But the sweet, English rose look also had a tough interior. To take any bulk out of the hair and create that weightless effect, models got what appeared to be undercuts, but what in reality were some very strategically placed cornrows! The lower half-to-third of the scalp was braided tightly, then hair was flipped back overtop to hide the tracks—simple as that! While it-Brit Alice Dellal may be committed to her signature buzz, we think this faux undercut is the perfect stealthy style to complement Sir Paul’s laidback, borrowed-from-the-BF spring vibe.
Undercover undercuts--covert cornrows backstage at Paul Smith.
FAUX BOMBSHELL CURLS
Betsey Johnson’s va-va-voom spring collection was all about accentuating one’s assets—if you’ve got it, flaunt it, and if you don’t, well, try some divine intervention. The same sexy attitude was channeled backstage at Lincoln Center, where tired tresses got extra body and bounce before hitting the catwalk. While London ladies received minimizing styles, Peter Gray gave Betsey’s bombshells maximizing hair makeovers with a supermodel-inspired tress trick! “You know that thing Jerry Hall used to do? She used to grab her hair and kind of fling it all the way around,” Gray explained his mane muse. Hall’s come-hither hair was recreated by pulling models’ strands into smooth side-ponytails at the base of the neck, then setting with hot rollers. Once hair was let loose, the style was left alone—instead of brushing into waves, the super-sized retro curls were allowed to have a life of their own. Extra volume piled on one shoulder creates the illusion of thicker, fuller locks with serious sex appeal. We’re sure super-sized hair fan, Nicki Minaj—who sat front-row at Betsey’s show—approved of the curl-power meets girl-power look.
FAUX DYE JOB
We couldn’t wrap up our spring 2012 beauty report without mentioning the rainbow tress trend. Candy Land dye jobs were all the rage, but before you break out the Manic Panic, consider the tricky tresses Odile Gilbert created backstage at Thakoon. Playing off the rich hues in the New York designer’s East (India) meets West (American cowboys) collection, Gilbert used highly pigmented hair powders in blue, purple, pink, green, and terracotta to faux “dye” models twisted ‘dos. The matte-finish color is anything but flat—we adore this fearless, fresh take on hyper-color hair, and really love the no-commitment, one-day (or one-runway) transformation.
There you have it: for Spring/Summer 2012, we got lippy with 3D, trippy with flashy phalanges, celebratory with statement eyes, and faux-fab with deceptive ‘dos. We’ll have more Beauty Breaks for you from the Autumn/Winter 2012-13 shows—which kick off next week at NYFW! To stay up to date with all the behind-the-scenes and front row action, follow Videofashion on Twitter, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Backstage at Fendi Spring/Summer 2012, Peter Phillips gave models' lids the Midas touch.
Not every beauty look from the spring 2012 runways was meant for Main Street, (Exhibit A: Wet Paint Hair; Exhibit B: Concrete Lips), but a few eye-catching beauty moments demand real world replication. Holiday soiree season is the perfect time to tap one of S/S 12’s flashier makeup trends—bright eyes with showy accents which scream “Party time!” ‘Tis the season for ultra-glam makeup, so why not ring in 2012 with a glitzy gaze inspired by the new year’s festive runway looks?
Silver leaf makes a slick statement backstage in Milan.
Backstage at the Fendi Spring/Summer 2012 show in Milan, makeup artist Peter Phillips performed a little metallic magic, giving models’ lids an eye-opening coat of metal leaf; balancing the look with a subdued pink cheek and pale lip, the high-shine eyes complemented the metal details in Karl Lagerfeld’s spring collection. Molten lids are not for the meek, but if you’re a scene stealer seeking a super-showy look that demands the limelight, go for the gold (or the silver) this New Year’s Eve.
Not quite ready to compete with the Tin Man for Most Reflective Peepers? The look created by Charlotte Tilbury for Etro’s spring show is a more subtle approach to shine. Tilbury kept the face clean with a contoured cheek and chocolate mascara for dimension and definition, then dusted silvery MAC eye gloss all over lids for a “metallic, dreamy, water-like look.” The resulting liquid-shine in soft-focus is a tranquil alternative to Fendi’s flashy lids, but the look still retains that celebratory feel. Opt for these eyes if you want to transition from a family dinner to a friend’s fête without batting an eye.
Eye spy ... Daphne Groeneveld's festival girl glitter at DSquared2!
When we ran into Tilbury again backstage at the DSquared2 show, the beauty guru had cranked up the volume on the twinkling trend with a glam rock, David Bowie-inspired look. “Dean and Dan [Caten] are very inspired this season by Glastonbury—all the rock chicks and festival girls,” Tilbury told Videofashion. After prepping lids with gold cream shadow, Tilbury’s team added a dense layer of glitter, letting the dazzling dust fall below the eyes and onto the cheeks, “As if they’ve had [it] on all night,” Tilbury explained. The authentic rocker look was completed with heavy black eyeliner and mascara and balanced with a fresh, natural complexion for a nod of “wonderful innocence.” These eyes may have been motivated by the music scene, but we’re certain rockin’ around the Christmas tree is sufficient grounds to break out the glitter pots.
Pretty in pink: day-glo falsies from the Viktor & Rolf show are perfect for New Year's night.
If eyes rivaling Times Square’s crystal countdown ball aren’t your style, but you still want to sport next season’s statement eyes fashionably early, Pat McGrath’s bright eyed girl at Viktor & Rolf is your makeup muse. Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren had dolls on the brain when designing their Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and the beauty team backstage in Paris played on the theme with dolled-up ‘dos and wide-eyed faces. McGrath gave models super-glossy “sugary” pouts, then adorned lids with shocking pink faux lashes, adding “acid pink wings” on the outer corners for an extra flick of fun. The fluttering fluorescent falsies were a hit with the living dolls who donned them. Model Dempsey Stewart fell in love with her ultra-fem eyes. “I wish I could keep these eyelashes, but I have to take them off for the next show!” she lamented to Videofashion. The Viktor & Rolf runway may be history, but Dempsey can channel her inner Clara again this December with a fresh pair of falsies, putting her on par with any dancing diva in the Land of the Dolls.
Will you put a twinkle in your eye this holiday season with any of these brilliant runway looks? Is there another S/S 12 beauty trend your ogling to accent your party ensemble? Let us know!
Happy holidays from Videofashion—we look forward to bringing you more insider fashion and beauty scoop in the new year!
Even Barbie would be jealous of Melissa Tammerijn's doll-like lashes from the Viktor & Rolf S/S 2012 show!
