Juicy Couture Fall 2012: L.A. goes mad for mod in NY!

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.

Who needs the Biebs when we’ve got the Zee?! Joe & Co. get on the line at Bloomingdale’s to kick off season of giving

Jessica Szohr, Joe Zee, and Piper Perabo donate warm winter coats to New York Cares at Bloomingdale's 59th Street.

While Rockefeller Plaza was buzzing Wednesday night with bundled-up Beliebers, another star-studded holiday kickoff was underway just a few blocks east on 59^th Street. The always jolly Joe Zee brought a little holiday cheer and a lot of fashionable friends to the fifth floor of Bloomingdale’s to celebrate the second season of Zee’s hit show, All on the Line, and donate outerwear to New York Cares’ annual holiday coat drive.

“I love this charity!” Mr. Elle magazine told Videofashion. “This is the industry I work in, and this is a way I can take what I do and give back. I love the idea of paying it forward,” said Zee. Model-mom Veronica Webb shared his sentiment. “This is a really important event that we support every year—my kids do it at school, too,” said Webb. “There’s no better gift to give than warmth,” she added. Also heating up Bloomie’s outerwear department: actress Piper Perabo, who accessorized her fête frock with an armload of plush parkas. “I brought a lot—we filled the bin!” said the Covert Affairs starlet.

A svelte Valerie Bertinelli went the extra mile to make sure her much-loved but little-worn coat will find a more fitting home in NYC. “I flew that coat out here in my bag!” the actress told Videofashion. “I didn’t get a chance to wear it a lot in Los Angeles, because it’s just not cold enough,” she added. “Someone else will get better use out of it!”

While additional guests including Gabourey Sidibe, Jessica Szohr, and All On the Line cast members dropped off outerwear and sipped bubbly, we chatted with the man of the hour about AOTL’s sophomore lineup. “There’s a lot more fashion and a lot more guest stars this season,” Elle’s Creative Director told Videofashion. Expect to see designers Rachel Roy and Nicole Miller in upcoming episodes, as well as a cameo by Zee’s former The City co-star and Elle crony, Olivia Palermo. AOTL’s focus on real designers in real turmoil—and in real need of Zee’s boot camp—injects the fashion-reality TV genre with, well … reality. “We don’t just talk about inspiration; now we make inspiration. It really shows another side of the fashion business,” Zee explained.

Momentarily setting all things business and fashion aside (it happens … occasionally …), we couldn’t let the stylish set escape the Upper East without sharing their holiday plans.

Valerie Bertinelli with Joe Zee Wednesday evening on Bloomie's 5th Floor to support the New York Cares holiday coat drive, and toast Season 2 of All on the Line.

Ms. Perabo is en-route to visit her 102-year-old (!!!) grandma before indulging in a seasonal guilty-pleasure: the theme soiree. “One of my friends has an ugly Christmas sweater party—everybody wears crazy appliqué sweaters,” she spilled. “It’s not beautiful, but it’s really funny!”  While Ms. Webb will be chillin’ in balmy Palm Beach, Jessica Szohr is headed for chilly Wisconsin to kick-it with her fam.

What’s #trending on wish lists for December 2011?

Piper’s dreaming of a white Christmas (“I want it to snow!!!”), generous gent’ Joe craves some well-earned R&R (“Time off and a vacation!”), while Ms. Bertinelli’s ultimate gift is anything but time off (“For Hot in Cleveland to be on the air ten more years!”). The TV Land star also summed up the essence of the evening. “The comfort of a coat on a really cold day—there’s nothing quite like it. It’s like a hug,” said Bertinelli.

If you’d like to give a “hug,” Bloomingdale’s on 59^th Street is accepting outerwear donations in the fifth floor outerwear department now through December 5 (visit the New York Cares website for additional opportunities to donate). And if you’re not already obsessed with Joe Zee’s All on the Line, don’t forget to check it out Fridays (that’s tonight!) at 9:30 p.m. EST on the Sundance Channel!

Beauty Break: get nailed. Statement-making manicures for Soho, Sin City, Egypt, and the Playboy Mansion!

CND manicures were the only accessory at Wes Gordon's spring presentation; Poppyfield tips have Soho spirit.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Let your fingers do the talking,” and according to the pros backstage at Fashion Week, your digits have a lot to say! In today’s Beauty Break, we’re showcasing the hottest hands from the Spring/Summer 2012 shows—our favorite manicures and nail inspirations direct from the experts.

With his youthful approach to uptown sophistication, 25-year-old Wes Gordon is one to watch at New York Fashion Week—as were the classy-gone-sassy nails at his spring presentation. According to CND Nails guru Jan Arnold, Gordon’s gal has gone south for spring—South of Houston Street, that is. “She’s got a Soho sophisticated side,” Arnold tells Videofashion. This season, long, lean, almond-shaped nails were coated in a “nearly neon, yellow-based red” called Poppyfield. The vivid poppy is known for its, shall we say, euphoric capabilities, and this aptly named lacquer shade had us similarly entranced. The cheerful hue was the perfect complement to Gordon’s optimistic spring collection—so much so that the vibrant tips were the models’ only accessory! “What other fashion accessory do you need?!” says Arnold.

Fortunately, what happens backstage doesn't stay backstage. Deborah Lippmann's manicure for Narciso Rodriguez--no hangover required.

If you prefer more toned-down digits, you’re still in luck—understated shades were also trending on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways. To offset the technicolor tresses created by Eugene Souleiman at Narciso Rodriguez, nail expert Deborah Lippmann gave models a matching mani-pedi in a cool, gray color from her eponymous lacquer line. Cheekily dubbed “Waking Up in Vegas,”the soft cement hue hints at an alternatively bad-girl back-story told the murky morning after a wild night in Sin City. “You know, when everything’s just a little bit not right, a little bit off?” Lippmann describes the color story, with a wink. All hangover notions aside, subtly subversive shades of gray are a mysterious, chicly understated nail statement for spring.

Nail board backstage at The Blonds--digits worthy of the centerfold.

As a record-breaking pop-star, Katy Perry may be known for “Waking Up in Vegas,” but she’s also known for breaking rules on the red carpet, where she’s donned The Blonds’s extravagant creations more than once. We’re pretty sure Mrs. Russell Brand will likewise sink her claws into the nail trend showcased at The Blonds’s spring show. Famous for their over-the-top themed collections, the design duo’s latest mood board was covered in … bunnies. We’re not talking Peter Cottontail—we’re talking Playboy! With super-sexy cuts, glittering textiles, and in-your-face glamour on the catwalk, naughty nails were a must. “This season is about texture,” CND’s Kristina Estabrooks told Videofashion backstage in New York. While S/S 2012 makeup artists were giving lips the 3D treatment, manicurists nailed down texture by flattening their visual inspirations. “One of my favorites is this sheer black nail that looks like stockings with a French seam,” says Estabrooks. Other dazzling digits displayed on The Blonds’s bombshells included slippery oil-slick nails and our personal favorite: tips embellished with pave crystals. If you’re headed to the Playboy Mansion for spring break—or just want to channel your inner Girl Next Door—nail the pinup look with fun textures and ultra-glam accents.

Ancient accents made for a modern-day Liz Taylor tribute at Topshop Unique.

Finally, a manicure for the ultimate glamour girl: Elizabeth Taylor! For the latest Topshop Unique runway, creative director Karen Bonser looked to Liz’s Cleopatra for inspiration, and the Egyptian influence was seen backstage from the models’ gold leaf crowns to their hieroglyphic nails. Fortunately for us, the Egyptians’ simplified symbols are easy to replicate on your tips: start with bold basecoat colors—at Topshop, manicurists alternated teal, red, and metallic gold polish. Once dry, carefully adorn each nail with a white or gold shape. Let the second layer dry, then outline each shape in black lacquer with a polish pen. Topshop model Nimue Smit gives the look a thumbs-up. “It’s something different that people don’t expect,” says Nimue.  Also unanticipated: sporting a cryptic message—with a little research, you can really let your fingers talk!

What do you think of this season’s nail trends? Will you try any of these manicures? Let us know, and check back for more Beauty Breaks!

A Temperley Tale: celebrating True British with the quintessentially English, Alice Temperley

Padma Lakshmi joined Alice Temperley to celebrate Temperley London's tenth anniversary and toast the new tome, True British.

“At the beginning, I had no idea what fashion shows were going to entail,” admits Alice Temperley. “I hadn’t really been to any!”

Oh, what a difference ten years makes.

A decade on, Alice Temperley is now well versed in all things runway show (see our video for proof) and at the helm of a burgeoning fashion empire (the House of Temperley is comprised of thirteen annual collections!). With a regal following and a most excellent of royal honors to her credit, Temperley is today’s quintessential English designer, and her aptly named new book,  True British: Alice Temperley, (Rizzoli) is an intimate look at the first ten years of Temperley London.

“The brand has been through such a massive evolution. We thought it would be nice for everybody to understand where the brand came from and how it became what it is now,” Temperley told Videofashion Wednesday evening in New York. The petite designer and her husband, Temperley CEO Lars von Bennigsen, hosted an intimate celebration in Soho, toasting the brand’s tenth anniversary and the new tome with guests including Hamish Bowles, Padma Lakshmi, and Tinsley Mortimer.

True British is a veritable Temperley treasure trove, featuring Alice’s sketches, memorable editorial images, ad campaigns, candid party photos, as well as personal images of the extended Temperley family—a behind-the-scenes look at the past ten years. Editing a decade’s worth of imagery into a 272-page book was no easy task. “We had 300,000 images!” Temperley revealed. Photographs from the pre-Instagram era (remember film cameras?!) created additional challenges. “In year one, there was no digital. We had to call all our friends who were photographers and say, ‘Can you find that negative?!’ ” Temperley said with a laugh.

Though a tedious endeavor, the designer is elated with the finished product. “It’s so nice to have all the sketch books, and mood boards, and campaign images, and the whole essence of what Temperley is, all in one place, where we can say, ‘This is where we started, and this is what we’ve learned, and this is now what we have,’ ” she explained.

True British: Alice Temperley

Tripping down memory lane for True British only reinforced Temperley’s passion for her craft—and her appreciation for her journey. “My learning, very publicly, is within those pages,” she told Videofashion. The earliest images in the book are among her favorites. “At the beginning, [my goal] was literally just to be able to make clothes because I enjoyed it, and to be able to sell them in order to make more!” she explained. Temperley’s commitment to growing from experience is still at the essence of her brand, and at the heart of the book. “As everything evolves, you never, ever, ever stop learning,” she emphasized. “That’s why the book is nice—it shows the naiveté of how [the company] started, and therefore shows something that’s very uncalculated, very organic.” Far from a “glossy and airbrushed” portrayal, Temperley aimed to reveal the brand’s purity in the pages of True British.  “It tells a very real story,” she added.

Celebrating a truly British book from a truly British designer begged the question: what does it mean to be truly British?! “Well, I don’t know any different!” Temperley laughed. “Eclectic, thinking for yourself, and having quite a free spirit. Not really thinking about what other people think. It’s much more about expressing your own individual thing. But you’re not afraid of heritage,” she replied.

English pride notwithstanding, even the most dedicated Brit needs a break from tradition—at least on this side of the pond. “When I’m in New York, I want to go do New York things,” Temperley admitted. “I go to places like Raoul’s, or Rose Bar for a martini.” And for a pint?  “I don’t go to pubs in New York—that would be wrong!” Spoken like … a true Brit.

True British: Alice Temperley is now in stores, and Temperley London’s Spring/Summer 2012 runway show is now playing on Videofashion:

Skip school, eat carbs, and makeover your room with Kate Spade Spring/Summer 2012

Stylist Brad Goreski and Kate Spade Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd, with the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

When Kate Spade Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd, finalized a partnership with Australia’s Florence Broadhurst prints, she couldn’t have known the collaboration would uncover a secret childhood addiction: wallpaper.

“I’ve started wallpapering my house, which I said I’d never do—but I’m on my third room now!” Lloyd confessed to Videofashion Tuesday evening at the Kate Spade Spring/Summer 2012 presentation. But Florence Broadhurst-covered interiors are an upgrade from the walls of yesteryear. “As a child, I wallpapered my bedroom purple—this is a little more sophisticated,” she added with a smile.

A longtime fan of the late artist’s exquisite hand-painted designs, Lloyd knew Broadhurst’s nature-inspired graphic prints would harmonize perfectly with Kate Spade’s signature whimsy. After hands-on archival research at the Florence Broadhurst Aussie headquarters—Lloyd’s first trip to the Land Down Under!—she was ready to roll out the bold patterns on more than just the walls of her Brooklyn townhouse. “We’ve used the prints on everything—from Vespas to stilettos to suitcases to dinnerware to cocktail dresses to hats!” Lloyd explained.

Biker chick? Biker chic! A Kate Spade Vespa is your ticket to ride.

She wasn’t kidding. The Chelsea presentation space itself had been transformed floor-to-ceiling into a virtual printed paradise, and attendees enjoyed posing with that vivid Vespa—sure to vrrrooom! right on to a few holiday wish lists! (including ours—a girl can dream …) While guests found comfy seats on Florence Broadhurst-upholstered couches, glossy models  paraded out in the cheerful, cheeky new collection. By presentation’s end, the packed room was longing to skip the next five months and get on to temperatures warm enough to don any number of the punchy separates and sweet printed frocks. Nautical stripes also made waves with the crowd—which included actress Alexis Bledel—while polka dots gave an extra pop of optimism to our favorite little white dress. Ready-to-wear notwithstanding, it wouldn’t be Kate Spade without an it-bag, and this season’s juicy-hued clutches caught our eye.

Skirt the rules--Kate said it's ok! Stripes are extra spirited when paired with a witty shirt and fun accessories.

Joining forces with Lloyd for a second season, the always dapper Brad Goreski styled the perfectly-polished presentation, and gushed post-show about the gig. “Kate Spade is so much a brand I identify with. I guess there’s Jack Spade, but I’m still very much a Kate Spade girl at heart!” Goreski told Videofashion. Donning a Florence Broadhurst bowtie (love), the reality star and budding author characterized Kate’s spring gal. “It’s a girl who likes to make a bold statement, but also [stays] refined and chic,” said Goreski, “But there’s definitely a sense of humor.”

That sense of humor plays out this season via a series of t-shirts and totes. Embellished with sassy slogans like “Play hooky,” and “Eat cake for breakfast,” (why not do both?!) the tees and bags are the brand’s nod of whimsy which Goreski and Lloyd both adore. “It’s something that’s very us, and a nice way to dress things down a bit,” said Lloyd, “You’re not always going to a cocktail party or wedding—it’s fun to mix the high and the low.”

You’ll have to wait a bit longer to pick up the new Kate Spade collection, but here’s an idea to tide you over: make the most of your snowed-in time this winter (come on—you know it’s coming …) deciding which bleak room needs a little Kate Spade makeover. You’ll be in good company. “The prints are so chic,” said Goreski. “I need to wallpaper an entire room.”

Have your cake and tote it, too! It's a sugar rush from Kate Spade Spring/Summer 2012, and this dotted frock is a Videofashion favorite.