As many familiar faces like Carine Roitfeld are boarding planes to Moscow this week to see some of the best designers the city has to offer, they’ll be missing the two of the most prominent. That’s because Alena Akhmadulina and Igor Chapurin triumphantly closed Volvo Fashion Week in Moscow few days ago–and both made serious cases for mainstream respect and relevance. First, artistic St. Petersburg native Akhmadulina (three top looks) charmed the Gostiny Dvor audience with a surreal, equestrian-inspired collection, complete with unforgettable shoes, well-tailored jackets and skirts, and folklore-inspired colorful tops.
The Moscow front row then instructed their chauffeurs to take them to other side of town for Igor Chapurin (three bottom looks), who’s perhaps the city’s answer to Francisco Costa (but the Calvin Klein head doesn’t have a restaurant in his own name and a boutique in the middle of the Red Square). Chapurin turned his showing into a personal club, where the city’s most influential admired his seductive furs, sleek shiny separates, and flattering dresses. Our advice to editors who can’t make it to Moscow: catch Chapurin and Akhmadulina in Paris next season, where both names show.
The cupcake craze sparked so long ago by Magnolia shows no sign of slowing, so we love seeing someone put a fresh spin on the sweets. Yep, the snack above is not in fact a bucket of popcorn, but a cupcake, complete with a candy-coated shell. Movie and cupcakes, anyone?
Beauty Junkie has never claimed to have 100% natural hair color. We’ve loved playing with our color ever since we got into the biz. What we don’t like is how annoyingly quickly that gorgeous color seems to go bye-bye thanks to things like UV rays and washing in mineral rich water. What’s a girl (or boy) to do? Wear protection, of course. Redken’s new Color Extend line is designed with a Fade Resist Complex that filters the sun’s rays and maximizes color retention and shine in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, Rich Recovery treatment, and Shine Enrich finishing serum. Our shiny, red locks are loving all four. THE DETAILS: $13-$16, www.redken.com
Very few things in life are more pleasant than a Saturday afternoon spent walking (and shopping) around Madison Avenue…especially when one is graced with a Mrs. Herrera sighting! The designer, spotted in the vicinity of her boutique, was as glorious and radiant as ever, leaving a trail of astonished onlookers in her wake as she walked north in the direction of her home. Wearing trim trousers and a slim jacket, all in shades of tasteful camel, she once again earned her title as the best-dressed woman in fashion.
What a looker! That’s none other than Francisco Costa, who spoke about his life, love, and the pursuit of happiness last night in a conversation at F.I.T. with Valerie Steele. No wonder the house was packed–hoardes of students and fans gathered to hear all about the storied alum’s rise to fashion royalty.
Unlikely, maybe…but it seems guns have come back into style (heard about Rihanna’s latest tattoo?). While Chic Report may not be ready to ink ourselves with the weapon, there’s definitely something very cool about this Tex Astali bracelet made from bullet casings.
We’re getting a bit of a Great Gatsby-Doctor T. J. Eckleburg vibe from the above–which is actually a lacquered wooden tray by Fornasatti. Survelliance-style home decor, anyone?
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Spring has officially arrived–at least according to Queen Elizabeth II, who sported this hot pink ensemble to meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife in London today.
©Patrick McMullan
In times like these, there is only so much saving that one can do, but on Friday night, hoardes descended to the Bowery Hotel to Save Venice, as it may be. With none other than Cho Cheng as the fashion sponsor, several ladies caught our eye–including one Anna Besedina. While this darling remains relatively unknown to Chic Report, she still deserves some virtual applause for braving this voluminous tulle confection at a cocktail party.
© Getty Images
Anna Wintour essentially lives at the U.S. Open during the American Grand Slam to watch Roger Federer’s matches, but this year she went even further to support her proven favorite player. Wintour traveled to Miami for the Sony Ericsson Open at the Crandon Park to dine with Federer and watch his third round match yesterday. And when he wasn’t playing, she sat on the stands with son Charlie to watch someone other than the Swiss superstar on court–the editor supported Scot Andy Murray, who ironically beat her favorite a painful four times in a row.
