Fashion week

SURVIVAL KIT

issuethis week’s

READ OUR Oscar stylist’s diary

ThE NEW FAcESyou need to know about

hOW TO work the new elegance

It’s Milan fashion week! Want to know how to stay front row fabulous at all times? We ask the editors in the know to reveal their tips. Then look to our Alexa Chung shoot and exclusive interview to find out how to work the SS11 trends her way. Plus, designers Prabal Gurung and Alessandra Rich make their NET-A-PORTER debut with fashion-forward tailoring and vibrant gowns. And we talk to super stylist Jessica Paster as she prepares the stars for the Oscars red carpet.

ALEXATHE

FACTOR

ThIS WEEK: Milan

ALEXA TALKS SPRING STYLE

Young at heart

Raphael Young’s slick sculptural heels are topping every stylish woman’s wish list this season. Hailing from a family of master craftsmen – he is the nephew of renowned YSL bootmaker Alexandre Narcy – Young’s shoes are directional and modern, often featuring unexpected materials including resin and crushed mother-of-pearl. Going uptown? Punctuate a classic LBD with attention-grabbing molten gold sandals. Or if downtown chic is more your thing, opt for sky-high open-toe ankle boots or red suede wedges worn with skinny jeans and plenty of attitude.

Walk to the fashion beat in Raphael Young’s statement shoes

most wanted

shop ThE sTory4

Fashion week

SURVIVAL KIT

It’s Milan Fashion Week!

Sail through the season in style

with help from those in the know

Adriana Di LelloWhat Will you be Wearing?“i love a color splash, so i’ll be using hot-hued details, especially bags from Jil Sander, Miu Miu, Marni and Mulberry. this season i will work a brighter look than usual with floral maxi dresses and kaftans from emilio Pucci, etro, and alberta Ferretti.” hoW Will you acceSSorize?“With necklaces, cuffs and rings by Pamela love, roberto cavalli and aurélie bidermann. i also love chloé’s platform heels and clogs by Marni.”hoW do you balance coMFort and Style?“if it’s well cut, a military parka or a cape is very useful because you don’t even need to take it off – you can still write easily in your notebook.”What are your beauty eSSentialS?“a good lip balm, my favorite is carmex, and a hydrating, non-greasy face cream. Sometimes i do a smoky eye.”What getS you through it all?“an interest in what’s next and the hope of seeing brilliant designs.”

Fashion editor, elle italy

shop ThE LooK4

Sarah Joan RossStyle director, emirates Woman

Sarah HarrisFashion Features Writer, Vogue uK

Head to our SocIal Hub, FASHION FIX, For lIve london FaSHIon Week coverage4

What Will you be Wearing?“i’m such a blazer girl – i will take about six in different colors. My favorite one is by narciso rodriguez – a slick cut with the prettiest soft pink chiffon lining. i always go for heels so i am eye level with the supermodels, but i pack ballet pumps in my handbag for when the six inches get too much.” hoW do you PrePare? “travelling and attending events all the time has made me a highly efficient packer! I style up each outfit the night before and make sure they can be mixed up if needed.” What are your beauty eSSentialS?“Mac crème blush for a healthy looking flush, and Kristin Florian’s Calm Mind is fantastic for relieving headaches – especially good when trying to get through security at the Versace show!”What are you MoSt looKing ForWard to? “it’s like a family reunion – you catch up with editors you’ve known for years, and photographers, models, hair and makeup artists that you work with season after season.”

What Will you be Wearing?“My look doesn’t stray too far from jeans and a cashmere sweater or silk shirt. i’ll rotate between Jimmy choo over-the-knee boots and biker boots, Lanvin wedges and ballet flats. Leather biker jackets worn with dresses are great for evening.”hoW do you PrePare? “i try to make sure i don’t have anything stuck at the dry cleaners that i might need. if i’m very organized, i’ll plan the night before, but usually i decide what to wear in the morning.”What are your beauty eSSentialS? “a blow dry at daniel hersheson at the beginning of the week, and a facial with dr Frances Prenna Jones if i can schedule an appointment, plus crème de la Mer eye balm, and Sisley day and night cream.”What Will We Find in your handbag? “as little as possible: a notebook and pen, blackberry, by terry baume de rose lip balm, Persol sunglasses, dr. Sebagh hand cream and haribo sweets.” What getS you through it all? “the thought of a hot bath before bed. a brisk morning walk also helps.”

survival kit

shop ThE LooK4shop ThE LooK4

lexaaShe’s the poster girl for tomboy chic. Fashion’s sweetheart

Alexa Chung shows us how to dress for the new seasonphotographs by KaI Z FENg

Top by Chinti and Parker; skirt by Vanessa

Bruno; flats by Chloé; necklace by Alex Monroe;

ring Alexa’s own

This page: Dress by Giambattista Valli; cardigan by J.Crew; pumps by Carven; necklace by Oscar de la Renta; ring by Pamela LoveOpposite page: T-shirt by A.P.C.;shorts by Current/Elliott; necklace by Giles & Brother; clutch by Yves Saint Laurent; bracelet by Isabel Marant; rings by Pamela Love and Alexa’s own

‘‘My style probably conveys my inability

to grow up’’

Dress by Erdem; sandals by Kors

Michael Kors; necklace Alexa’s own

This page: Dress by Hussein Chalayan; flats by Valentino; necklace by Alex Monroe Opposite page: Dress by Valentino

This page: Top by Theyskens’ Theory; shorts by Katharine Hamnett; wedges by Chloé; necklace by Alex Monroe; belt by GucciOpposite page: Shirt by A.P.C.; skirt by Proenza Schouler; pumps by Carven; bracelet by Giles & Brother; clutch by Valentino

‘‘I feel very comfortable

rocking a man’s shirt’’

This page: Dress by Erdem; flats by Chloé Opposite page: Blazer by Joseph; shorts by

Valentino; blouse and pumps by Carven;

ring by Daisy Knights

This page: Dress by Valentino; sandals

by Kors Michael Kors; necklace by

Alex Monroe; ring by Daisy Knights

‘‘I love the balletic vibe at Chloé, Erdem

and Valentino’’

ART

DIR

ECT

IOn

: Jon

Wet

here

ll; ST

YLI

nG

: Vic

kie

Kee

ble

and

Ale

xa C

hung

; HA

IR: G

eorg

e n

orth

woo

d @

Dan

iel H

ersh

eson

; MA

KEu

P: F

lorr

ie W

hite

@ D

+V; n

AIL

S: A

dam

Sle

e @

Str

eete

rs

SHOP tHe SHOOt4

Alexa: The inTerview

ReadMore

STYLE TIPTomboy chic is easy when you know how: simply mix relaxed denim with ladylike accessories.

STYLE TIPKeep hair and makeup fresh. Opt for either statement lips or eyes then finish with artfully tousled hair.

STYLE TIPIt’s all about balance – think mini lengths offset by high necklines, long sleeves and polished flats.

WHAT’S IT LIKE SITTInG On THE FROnT ROW?

“It’s exciting. The pageantry is like nothing else. The designers seat you next to people you may not know but definitely recognize. I was sat one away from Sarah Jessica Parker at Burberry and was freaking out because I love her.”WHAT ARE YOuR STYLE RuLES?“Only ever dress to please yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your look. And make sure it’s clean!” WHAT DO YOu THInK YOuR STYLE SAYS ABOuT YOu?

“I know what I’d like my style to say about me. I’d like to appear intelligent and relaxed, non-threatening and fun. In reality my style probably conveys my inability to grow up! I love how children dress – it’s so chaotic.”MOST TREASuRED POSSESSIOn?

“A skull necklace that I lost. I left

it in a bag in the boot of a new York cab and literally watched it drive away – so sad. I’m very sentimental about clothes. I have pieces I will never part with.”FAVORITE LABELS?

“Too many… Acne, Isabel Marant, Lover the amazing Aussie label, Chanel for classic pieces and Pamela Love for jewelry.”HOW DO YOu GET DRESSED?

“I think about what to wear in the shower, trying to visualize it with the weather and the things I have on that day in mind. Sometimes, if I’m pre-coffee and can’t decide, I take spare shoes and an extra jumper in my bag.”DO YOu HAVE AnY HELP FOR SPECIAL EVEnTS?

“Yeah, I usually have George northwood doing my hair and in new York my friend Tamah Krinsky does my make up.”

How to gEt t H E a l Ex a look...

IMA

GES

: CO

RBI

S; R

Ex F

EAT

uR

ES, B

IG P

ICT

uR

ES,

GET

TY

IMA

GES

We catch up with Miss Chung to talk life and style

SHOP tHe LOOK4

Christopher Kane

runwayShowreel

Tune in to part one of our exclusive runway videos featuring the editors’ expert style tips, then shop the looks

Psst…tune in next week for part two!

Clare Coulson, Fashion Features Director,

harper’s Bazaar uK

“Alessandra’s dresses tap into some exciting

spring trends: pop color and longer

lengths”

the neweleganceRising stars Alessandra Rich and Prabal Gurung take a fresh look at feminine style

Alessandra richcatapult her into the fashion spotlight. long dresses inspired by Grace Kelly are given a bold update with masculine collars, neon lace and grosgrain belts coated with plastic.

“I wanted to do something fun and a bit over the top,” she explains. “a reflection of her own personal style, rich lovingly tests the clothes herself during the design process, moving, walking and sitting in each piece to make sure she likes what she sees. “It’s such a thrill when you see the final product,” she says.

“Go for it, do it, it’s never too late.” alessandra rich is urging anyone with a passion for fashion design to follow their dreams. In 2008, at 41, the former property consultant did just that. she started from scratch, visiting manufacturers in her native Italy and sketching a collection of dresses for elegant, confident women looking for modern edge. “I want my clothes to feel glamorous but not in a boring or traditional way,” she says.

rich is on the cusp of great things. Her ss11 collection – presented at The ritz hotel during Paris Fashion Week – may only be her third, but it’s set to

Alessandra Rich at her London home

pho

tog

ra

ph b

y M

at

t h

oLy

oa

K

shop alessandra rich4

“We’ve had a decade of too tight, too short and too revealing and I’m sick of it,” says Prabal Gurung fervently in his new York studio, right in the heart of Manhattan’s garment district. “For me, it’s about celebrating femininity and the strength of being a woman in a more subtle, nuanced way.”

Cue a sharp collection of colorful dresses that almost uniformly fall below the knee. His muse? Tilda swinton in I Am Love. “I thought, ‘I want to make clothes for that kind of woman, a woman who has the strength to take a risk and live her life with passion.’”

exquisite craftsmanship is this rising star’s signature. Gurung has honed his skills at Donna Karan, Cynthia rowley and Bill Blass, before striking out on this own in 2009. He has gained a reputation as one of new York’s most inventive tailors and has the a-list following and awards cabinet to match.

aMIna aKHTar, Fashion eDitor, nYMag.coM

“The dresses are elegAnT, well-made, and just

beautiful. Who doesn’t want to wear them? ”

pho

tog

ra

ph b

y Ja

son

be

LLPrabal Gurung in his New York studio prabal gurung

shop prabal gurung4

A new season means a slew of new models making their mark on the runways. From doe-eyed ingénues to tough tomboys, there was a face to front every collection. Here are all the names you need to know...

FACE

watchTHIS

DAPHNE GROENEVELD

From: Denmark

From: USA

From: Holland

BRitt MAREN

CAROLiNE BRAsCH NiELsEN

© C

ra

ig M

CD

ean

/ a

rt +

Co

MM

erC

e

© M

ert

+ M

ar

Cu

s/ a

rt P

ar

ner

biker bootsadd edge to every look with black buckled boots.

the bagopt for a style with directional details, sling across the body and go!

skinny jeansskinny jeans are a hard-working wardrobe essential.

basic teethe perfectly cut t-shirt is the foundation of many a stylish model look.

Watch this Face

JULiA sANER

From: Switzerland

LiNDsEY WiXsON

From: USA

ARiZONA MUsEFrom: USA

THE ESSENTIAL KITmodels off-duty

leather jacketit’s the coolest coverup choice and works with everything from easy denim to chic cocktail dresses.

© B

oja

na

tat

ar

ska

© a

lasD

air

MC

lell

an

/ art

Pa

rtn

er

shop ThE LooK4

h20 cleansing solution by Bioderma Crealineremoves every trace of makeup and leaves skin fresh and clean, a must-have for all those daily makeup changes.

lait-crÈme concentré by Embryolissea suits-all moisturiser that’s always on hand backstage. it replenishes and restores skin as it hydrates.

PaW PaW ointment by Lucasa versatile balm that soothes everything from chapped lips to cracked heels – a handbag essential.

out oF trouble mask by Originsa rescue remedy for dull, stressed complexions, this leaves skin softer and smoother.

From: Sweden

BAMBiNORtHWOODBLYtHFrom: Australia

KRisi PYRHONEN

From: Poland

MADDiE KULiCKA

ReadMore

ReadMore

From: Finland

ReadMore

ReadMore

Watch this Face

tHEREs ALEXANDERssON

GET GORGEOUS WITH NET-A-PORTER’S BEAUTY PICKS

A model mAke-up bAg ©

gil

aD

sa

sPo

rta

kr

isi

© M

ert

+ M

ar

Cu

s/ a

rt P

ar

ner

A STYLIST’S DIARY

stylist’s It’s Oscar time! We catch up with US super stylist Jessica Paster as she prepares for the red carpet event of the year

1THE PLANNING I start preparing for awards season at least a month in

advance. There are so many events during January and February, from the Golden Globes to the Baftas – it’s a packed schedule! I am styling Annette Bening for this year’s Oscars. I like all my clients to be collaborative. It’s such an intimate process, you become friends and get to know what will look flawless on them.

2THE INSPIRATION Influence comes from everywhere, be it a John

Galliano runway show or Cecil Beaton photograph. Over the past 15 years I’ve built up a rapport with design houses, but it’s still pretty amazing when designers like Oscar de la Renta and Giorgio Armani reach out to me.

CATE BLANCHETT steals the spotlight (and the Best Supporting Actress award) in a daffodil yellow dress at the 2005 Academy Awards.

KIM BASINGER wins Best Supporting Actress at the 1998 Oscars in a pistchio green silk dress, inspired by Grace Kelly.

EMILY BLUNT goes for pink perfection in a ruffled floor-length gown.

NAOMI WATTS exudes classic elegance in a one shouldered nude gown and matching accessories.

of THE BEST oSCAR-READY DRESSES

STYLE TIPOpulent accessories will lend your look instant star power.

STYLE TIPWork color after dark with a draped peach gown. Just add sparkling heels.

STYLE TIPChannel spring’s balletic vibe with a pleated evening dress. Chandelier earrings complete the look.

3THE DRESSIt usually takes three fittings to know which

dress is right and I tend to get a gut feeling that tells me when we’ve found ‘the one’. On the red carpet this season the hot trends are shorter lengths and

‘‘I get a gut feeling that tells me when we’ve

found the one’’

sharply structured tailoring – a sign of how much awards ceremony style is changing. We have a fresh crop of young actresses that think outside the box and like to make a fashion statement. Carey Mulligan never looked more beautiful than at last year’s Oscars. That, for me, was the moment she became an ‘It’ girl.

4THE FINISHING TOUCHES Accessories are vital. Bags

and shoes will make or break an outfit. For wow-factor heels, you can’t beat Brian Atwood, Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin.

5THE BIG NIGHT On the night we create a Zen-like atmosphere

in the dressing room with everything set up beautifully, and underwear laid out. And I always have a back-up outfit ready, just in case there is an accident or the actress changes her mind.

Carey Mulligan and Andrea Riseborough at the Golden Globes

A STYLIST’S dIARY

5

HOT beauty TIPS

WO

RD

S: k

ERRy

PO

TT

ER; I

MA

GES

: REx

FEA

TU

RES

; CO

RBI

S

SHOP tHe StOry4

MUSIC: CRAZY FOR YOUFresh from her extraordinary turn at the Grammy Awards during which she hatched from a giant egg, Lady Gaga kicks off her US tour this week in New Jersey. Support comes from the equally outspoken Scissor Sisters. The question on everyone’s lips? What will she be wearing! ladygaga.com/events

EVENT: TEA WITH A TWIST London’s Sanderson hotel gives the traditional English high tea a surreal twist with the launch of Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Guests can marvel at lollipops that change temperature in the mouth, multi-coloured sandwiches and a chocolate rabbit’s clock. Curious and curiouser. From March 1; sandersonlondon.com

BOOK: WORDS OF WISDOM Nora Ephron is the writing genius behind classic movie When Harry Met Sally, among others. I Remember Nothing (Doubleday) is the veteran scribe’s new book of whip-smart essays about life, love, family and friendships. Make room in your handbag for it today. Available from amazon.comWO

RD

S: K

ERRY

pO

TT

ER; p

ICT

UR

E T

HIS

IMA

GE

: WA

NG

ZI

WO

N-B

UD

DA

; LA

DY

GA

GA

IMA

GE:

JOSH

OLI

NS

LOVE BEING IN THE KNOW? SIGN Up TO NET-A-pORTER’S CULTURE, L IFESTYLE AND BEAUTY UpDATES NOW 4

CARNIVAL: MASKED MAYHEMThe Venice Carnival has taken place since the 15th century and is the most flamboyant 10 day party you’ll ever encounter. Don’t forget to pack your mask! February 26 - March 8; masks available from cartaalta.com

ART: pICTURE THIS Asia Top Gallery Hotel Art Fair is a unique show held at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong. The works are displayed in the hotel rooms – think sculptures in the bath tubs. February 25 – 27; hotelartfair.kr

This week’s global hotlist

In a new series of fashion biographies Camilla Morton, author of How to Walk in High Heels, tells the story

of her favorite designers in a whimsical fairy tale format. “The series came about because I wanted to marry designers up to fairy tales to illustrate the magic of fashion,” reveals Morton. “A traditional biography doesn’t do the designer justice.”

First up: Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty (HarperCollins). Morton weaves the story of the designer’s life, from boyhood to prince

of Parisian couture into the classic tale. “Magical, talented, theatrical – the fairy tale format brings a new lease of life to the house of Lacroix,” she says.

With the author’s words accompanied by exquisite illustrations by Lacroix, this is a must for fashion lovers – and those who believe in happily ever after. The memoirs of Manolo Blahnik, John Galliano and Diane von Furstenberg are next in the series. Watch this space.

‘‘Every girl grows up on fairy tales. Fashion is our modern

day magic – it has the power to enchant and transform’’

CAMILLA MORTON

Christian Lacroix stars in a fashion fairy tale

DreamRead

buy the book4

THEBIGFASHION

ISSUE

In next week’s onlIne magazIne:

sIgn up for fashIon news 4