MAGAZINE GLAM: Natalie Portman On Cover Of Vogue January 2011 Issue

Has anyone seen Black Swan yet?! If so, please refrain from spoiling it by providing detailed scene deets for the rest of us that haven't (me included...I meant to get to it this past weekend, but doing laundry won out over that one..ugh.) OK, now that we've gotten that out of the way, I can share the news that actress Natalie Portman (the star of Black Swan) will be gracing the cover of Vogue's January 2011 issue. I'm no stranger to fawning over her looks (ahem, just click here for evidence of that) but I have to admit that she looks so gorge here on the cover! In the issues, she shares details about the major transformation she had to undergo in order to take on this part. Apparently, she worked 8 hours a day, 6 days a week with former New York City ballet dancer Mary Helen Bowers. It took her about 6 months to create that ballerina body.

Um, that's insane. I can barely get my butt to the gym once a week and once I do I have to go to some sort of organized class because otherwise I'll stay on a machine 15 minutes and call that a work out hahaha. So, I applaud Portman and her ability to transform her body into this greatness and can't wait to see the movie this week!

What do you think of her picture on the cover, Glamazons? I love it! Totally glam.

xo

Ferocia

Fashion's Night In.

After the huge success of Fashion's Night Out in Central London, a night of free cocktails, canapes and generous discounts...Prada had the most beautiful waiters, Burberry hosted the most celebs and models while DKNY actually looked something like a club. So the follow up to this is like the quiet night in after a crzy one...Fashion's Night In.

Taking place on Monday 1 November 2010 from 5pm until midnight it will be a night dedicated to online shopping and events. Vogue are calling it a ‘stylish stay-at-home shopping experience’. Brands such as Damaris, Browns and ASOS are taking part and offering fashon and beauty offers, competitions and allowing you to view a selection of bespoke films.

Damaris are the first lingerie brand aboard and are offering a free gift with every purchase made! Tempted? Us....no!

Halle Berry to Cover September Vogue and Star in Shoe Addicts Anonymous

Halle Berry isn't just showing off her bikini body on the beach with little Nahla these days. She's also covering Vogue's "biggest issue ever" and signing on to star in the latest fashion flick, "Shoe Addicts Anonymous."

The comedy, which is scheduled to release in Fall 2011, is an adaptation of Beth Harbison's best-selling book. I love Halle in comedies (so fun! so uninhibited!) so I'm sure it'll be hit. Are you guys looking forward to this?

And if her stunning beauty in Paparazzi shots is any indication, Halle will look ravishing on the cover of Vogue. Our only wish is that little Nahla in a matching outfit, could get some Anna Wintour love as well.

Are you looking forward to Halle's cover? (Here's her old Vogue cover...)

Kisses,

Coutura

Source

Michelle Obama Set To Strike A Pose For Vogue.....Again!

In pursuit of variety (or maybe mags are finally starting to listen to the protests of the people that they're tired of seeing the same celebs over and over again) we are super stoked to hear that Vogue will be placing Michelle Obama on it's cover again! According to The Daily, the First Lady will grace us with her beauty for the December 2010 issue. This will be her second Vogue cover (the first was in March 2009) and apparently was one of the best for the publication. (It sold 560,000 copies on the newsstands.) Finally! Something new and different to look forward to. I do hope that Michelle Obama will go all out glamorous for this cover and showcase a new side of her...can't wait to see it!

xo

Ferocia

MAGAZINE GLAM: Gisele Shows Off Post Baby Body for Vogue! Plus Lala for Latina and Gabourey in French Elle

Hey Glamazons!

It is just us or are magazines stepping their game up this Spring? With ad sales declining and audiences moving online, publications are pulling out all the stops to stay afloat in uncertain times.

And we just love devouring the compelling cover stories and gorgeous fashion pages they're churning out as a result.

The most intriguing story to me, is Lala Vazquez on the cover of the April issue of Latina. 

The story is fascinating, not just because she dishes about her relationship with Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, but because she speaks on her controversial essay for Latina.com about identifying as black AND Puerto Rican. Here's an excerpt via NecoleBitchie.com: 

“The essay,” she says solemnly. “The responses hurt.” She’s speaking of a first person piece she recently wrote for Latina.com on being Puerto Rican, in which she explained that, since childhood, people have often assumed that she is black. “Which I am!” she says, almost yelling. “But I am also 100 percent Puerto Rican and I’m proud of that. People got it twisted and thought I was saying, I’’m Puerto Rican. I’m not black. That isn’t what I was saying. It’s just that when I tell someone I’m Puerto Rican, I don’t want to hear someone say, ‘You ain’t Puerto Rican. You black.’ As if I can only be one or the other. Do I look like Jennifer Lopez? No. Clearly, I’m a black woman. However you want to define that, that’s what I am. And I’m also a Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican woman. Period.”

Deep. And by the way, her photos are just stunning!

Equally gorgeous is another hot mom, Supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who recently launched a skincare line. On the cover of the latest Vogue, Gisele shows off her impossibly amazing post-baby bod after giving birth to her adorable new son with New England Patriots' quarterback, Tom Brady, named Benjamin Rein. 

For the April Shape issue, Gisele dishes on her son's name (she almost named him 'River'), her life as a new mother and how she shed all those pounds---she only gained thirty by the way. She claims it was yoga, and she lost the weight in no time due to muscle memory. If we could all be so lucky...

Here are Gisele's gorgeous photos and behind-the-scenes video from the shoot via the Huffington Post:

Next, It Girl actress, Gabourey Sidibe, continues her magazine run after nailing the cover of the V Magazine Size issue with a shot in the latest French Elle. I think Gabourey looks beautiful, as usual, but am not a fan of the edgy direction they took with her hairstyle. Is it supposed to resemble devil ears? Odd. I live for the lips necklace she's wearing though! 

I hear Gabourey has an upcoming role in the new Showtime Series, "The Big C," and couldn't be happier. Check out her shot below.

What do you think of the upcoming covers? Gisele's post-baby bod? Lala's Puerto Rican/Black essay? Gabourey's Devil Ear hair? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Febrero Espana 2010

Last week was spent in the Canary Islands, for a dose of very much needed sun, whilst there I picked up the latest Spanish Vogue. Kylie adorned the cover in a sexy composition of underwear, and the new collections inside were absolutely amazing, I personally LOVE the Miu Miu pieces, soft puppy dog prints, and muted swallows next to sheer jewel encrusted nude chiffons! Yum! Complete with 70's style platforms with candy shop colours and more fun prints! I loved the way Spanish Vogue had also composed the whole shoot in a long line of models all sporting pastel pretty colours. Other favourites were the subtly shiny, over-sized ruffles from Marc Jacobs, and the fresh looking but vintage style dressed from Dior, and Spanish Vogue teamed it with one of my favourite looks of all time....wedges and socks....all so dreamy!

Magazine Glam: Chanel Iman and Diddy Do Vogue

Hey Glamazons,

In the latest Vogue news, Diddy and Chanel Iman star in fab Fashion spreads in American and Spanish Vogue, respectively.

Diddy channels his Last Train to Paris vibe in a sultry shoot entitled, "A Brief Encounter," with Russian model, Natalie Vodianova. There's something thrilling and romantic about a train ride, and photographer Annie Leibowitz captures the sexy scene brilliantly. I especially love the shot of Natalie and Diddy going for a kiss as the train gears to pull off---that lingering moment when you have to say Good-bye but try to hold on for as long as possible. Just magical!

And can we add Diddy never looked more handsome than the first shot in a three-piece suit, tie and peacoat? Thank you, Grace Coddington, the [uber talented] Fashion Editor for this shoot.

*Ooo, and one more thing? So I knew I recognized the train station. They shot it in Hoboken (I'm a Jersey girl) where I've ironically spent many hours devouring Vogue while waiting for the train. Love it.*

Diddy wears a Tom Ford coat and suit and Ermenegildo Zegna tie.

Diddy wears a Salvatore Ferragamo shirt and Louis Vuitton trousers.

Diddy wears a Calvin Klein tee and John Lobb loafers.

See more images from "A Brief Encounter" here.

Spanish Vogue trades in the steam for sunshine with a Happy Face shoot featuring young beauty Chanel Iman. I've always preferred Chanel Iman in a fresh-faced look showcasing her gorgeous smile, like the adorable Teen Vogue cover she shared with Jourdan Dunn.

The Spanish Vogue shoot, photographed by Michelle Ferrara and styled by Maria Aguilar, taps into Iman's international appeal as a budding starlet who radiates natural beauty. In girly, quirky and fun fashions, Chanel looks as vibrant as the blue and orange-hued dresses she models.

Both the American and Spanish Vogue spreads will appear in the February 2010 issues. What do you think of the shoots?

Kisses,

Coutura

Vogue February

Vogue February Issue Covers
America Vogue: Jessica Biel

Paris Vogue: Kate Moss

British Vogue: Natalia Vodianova

Australia Vogue: Nicole Trunfio

Pictures from: http://fashion.vogue.com.au/media/magazines/0/35-4_nr.gif , http://www.flickr.com/photos/29731355@N00/4285186542/ , http://models.com/work/british-vogue-british-vogue-february-2010-cover , http://www.fitsugar.com/7048994

These are some of Vogue's beautiful February issue covers. My absolute favorite is Vogue Paris's cover. Kate Moss looks so beautiful. She's covered with jewels, and the setting is just gorgeous! I also love how put together the American Vogue cover looks. The outfit Jessica Biel is wearing is so chic but also professional. The jean material makes the "suit" look more casual. Natalia Vodianova looks so pretty on the British Vogue cover. The purple, pink, and sheer lacy dress is all so feminine and definitely reminds me of February (you know with Valentines Day and all). Australia Vogue's cover is also quite splendid. The bubble dress with the brown belt is very romantic looking.

No Fear, Go Sheer

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Dolce & Gabbana

Vogue January

Pictures from style.com and vogue.com

So Vogue February should be out now, or at least soon, so I thought I'd do a recap on the January issue. I'm a magazine junkie, and subscribe to TeenVogue, Marie Claire, Allure, and Harpers Bazar. Hopefully soon I'll be subscribing to Vogue, since its so much cheaper to subscribe. I'm in love with the sheer trend going on right now, and at the moment am obsessed with cherry red!!! I love black, white, and red together. I think its chic, mature, romantic, and feminine. So I was so inspired by the cover story on Rachel McAdams. The clothes she wore in the shoot were beautiful. One of the trends I'm seeing alot on the runway right now is the use of sheer fabrics and lingerie. The use of lingerie in outfits has become ever more popular and I think its very pretty and feminine when used right. I love the Dior belted organza-and-satin dress with built-in bra. The organza-and-satin gives such a feminine and girly effect. Its truly a piece of art. I loved the photo of Rachel McAdams wearing it with red lip stick and Cartier white gold-and-diamond earring. Truly stunning. Also, the Dolce & Gabbana floral silk-and-nylon bodysuit and pencil skirt she wore are to die for. The outfit looks darling with the De Beers diamond earrings and Christian Louboutin heels. This is definitely a dress I would wear. I wish I could afford it!!!

Vogue Paris

I absolutely love the Christian Dior Couture Paris Couture Haute Couture A/H 09-10!!!! I was on Vogue France's website and fell in love with this collection. These are some of my favorite pieces from it. I'm feeling really inspired by the 1920's and Paris lately...probably because I just did a project on it and I'm reading a biography on Coco Chanel. To me, this collection feels very 1920's inspired and I also love the sheerness and the guarders... if thats how you spell it...lol....its very chic and feminine. Some of the pieces in his collection look almost unfinished...like they did sew it all the way or left something open...its very interesting and I'm really inspired by it right now. There's been a lot of use of sheer fabrics on the runway lately and I'm totally excited about this trend!!! All these pictures are from the Vogue Paris website....check it out and see what you think!

Racism on the Runways: Bethann Hardison and Naomi Cambpell Demand Change

Hey Glamazons,

With New York Fashion Week days away, the discussion about African-American visibility in Fashion has resurfaced---thanks to Bethann Hardison. The former model and agent, who also happens to be my hero, hosted an informal meet-and-greet with models and casting directors last night called the Paradigm Shift. Held at the Deitch projects, the meeting is the latest effort in Hardison's crusade to give models of colors a significant presence on the runway.

Designer Sophie Theallet famously used only black models in her Fall 2009 runway show.

The mother of actor, Kadeem Hardison, Bethann is responsible for initiating the discussion with industry heavyweights about diversity in Fashion, which indirectly led to the wildly-popular Vogue Italia issue and the i-D magazine September cover that features four rising supermodels, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and Arlenis Sosa. Hardison acknowledged how her efforts made the i-D magazine cover a possibility: "...the fact that they can find four girls is genius. That means something," she told Modelinia.com. "It’s much improved from 2007. i-D’s always been cutting-edge. But the fact that you can find four girls? That’s a tribute to the work we do.”

Here are recent covers depicting black models from Trace's Black Girls Rule! issue to the legendary Vogue Italia "All-Black" issue.

Bethann Hardison's own career is just as groundbreaking: a successful model in her own right, she's guided the careers of such prominent African-American faces as Tyson Beckford and Veronica Webb. Though her strides toward diversity in Fashion should be heralded, she acknowledges that racism on the runways persists. For example, Naomi Campbell made headlines recently by asserting that ad execs, in fear of losing consumers during a recession, refrain from using black models for their campaigns: “I don’t see any black woman, or of any other race, in big advertising campaigns," said Naomi. "People, in the panic of the recession, don’t dare to put a girl of colour in their campaign, full stop. Nor of any other race. It’s a shame. It’s very sad.”

When I interviewed Hardison last September, she explained that yet another impediment to creating diversity is that designers don't see their aversion to use black models as racist. "Though their actions aren't necessarily racially motivated, there are racially-conscious results," she said. "Designers claim they want uniformity simply because it's editorially appealing, but they have to modernize their thinking. Uniform-looking models don't reflect the world."

Why aren't designers using black models for campaigns or runway shows? Do you think it's a product of racism, because they want uniformity or because they fear that they'll lose consumers? Do you think diversity in Fashion increased after the Vogue Italia issue proved that black magazine covers sell? Do you anticipate that more designers will use black models this Fashion Week? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Countdown to Fashion's Night Out

Glamazons,

The Fashion industry knows when to party. In a glorious attempt to revive the industry in a recession, Vogue, NYC & Company and CFDA are hosting a series of star-studded events called Fashion's Night Out (FNO) on September 10th. The idea started as a celebration where shoppers can interact with the famous faces behind their brand of choice. FNO has since become the largest shopping event in NYC's history with hundreds of stores offering discounts, parties and celeb-driven fetes. Vogue's EIC, Anna Wintour, shared her excitement about the host of retailers, style icons and celebrities (including Diddy and the Olsen twins) that are participating in the event:

“Little did I think when the idea of Fashion’s Night Out was first dreamed up this past March during the Paris collections that we would have over 700 and counting retailers, designers, and brands joining us on the night of September 10,” she shared. “Of course, I’ve always known the New York fashion industry to rise brilliantly to a challenge, but I am absolutely thrilled, awed, and more than a little proud that it has reacted so brilliantly to this initiative. There is so much planned that we could shop till dawn and still not see and do everything.”

FNO's extravagant retail events are sure to revitalize consumerism as shoppers will be more likely to buy a Billionaire Boy's Club shirt if Pharrell is working the register (seriously, he will be ringing up clothes that night!) or a Chanel handbag that they can...gasp...custom-design! To help navigate the long list of participating stores, Racked.com came up with a top-ten list. Check it out (below) and hit Fashion Night's Out facebook and twitter page (@FNOnyc) for updates. And you know the Glamazons will be on hand to cover the celebration! See you at H&M or Juicy or Barney's or Chanel (ahhh...too many places to go in just one night!).

Top Ten Events During Fashion's Night Out On September 10 (via Racked.com):

10. Rag & Bone
Guys, this is for you: Rag & Bone will turn their Christopher Street store into an Irish Pub, complete with free beer, a sawdust floor, and a live Irish band. We might just end up calling it a night here. 100 Christopher Street.

9. Adam Lippes
Not content to party until 11pm, Adam's Meatpacking store will stay open until 1am with free cocktails. He'll also have special edition personalized T-shirts for sale, and in case you've missed them thus far—the Havaianas customizing crew! All proceeds from the sale of the Havaianas will go to the 9/11 fund. 678 Hudson Street.

8. H&M
Even though all area H&Ms will stay open late, it's the Herald Square store that'll celebrate the most. Surrender yourself to their stylist and then pose for their "celebrity photographer." Your photo will then be projected onto their big billboard overlooking the Meatpacking District. 1328 Broadway.

7. Kirna Zabete
It's Kirna's 10th anniversary, so they'll be celebrating double-time by bringing in Narciso Rodriguez, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Thakoon Panichgul, Jason Wu, and Peter Som to debut their exclusive items for Kirna. Want to snap up a Wu sketch or a Proenza Schouler tote bag? This is the place to do it. 96 Greene Street.

6. Juicy Couture
With Anna at Macy's, it's only proper that Hamish Bowles be at Juicy, right? He'll be at their Fifth Avenue flagship to read from the works of Noel Coward as shoppers lounge in a "gentleman’s club, reminiscent of founder Gela Nash-Taylor’s eccentric English manor (featured in Vogue’s September issue)." 650 Fifth Avenue.

5. Chanel
Actually hosting two large events at different stores, Chanel will cater to both the rich and the poor. At 139 Spring Street, they'll debut the jade nail polish with free mini-manicures and a DJ set by Alexa Chung. Meanwhile at 15 East 57th Street, for the first time ever, Chanel will have a create-your-own-handbag studio. "Choose your favorite lambskin color, lining, hardware, and chain—and be among the first in the United States to own a customized, monogrammed Chanel classic bag." Oh yes, and there will be champagne of course.

4. Bergdorf Goodman
If this doesn't get you to BG, then nothing will: Andre Leon Talley hosting a fashion game show with "teams led by Donna Karan, Linda Fargo, and Robert Verdi." Also, Annie Leibovitz will be around, Padma Lakshmi will host a cook-off with Cynthia Rowley and Peter Som, Zac Posen will be selling his paintings, Alexander Wang will drop in and Isaac Mizrahi will hold a talk. This is some crazy shiz right here; make sure to jot down the exact times for the event you most want to see. 754 Fifth Avenue.

3. Alice + Olivia
Right alongside the Fashion Week tents in Bryant Park, the Alice + Olivia boutique will become a photo studio, with auditions to be a model in the Alice + Olivia presentation the following week. Hopefuls won't be left to their own devices either; they'll get pro hairstyling, makeup and wardrobe styling before stepping in front of the camera. Here's something for the resume. 80 West 40th Street

2. Opening Ceremony
In the spirit of Chinatown, OC will take their celebration to the streets, with special-edition items sold out of the backs of vintage automobiles (example: a Thai truck sporting Band of Outsiders gear). In addition, you'll able to meet and greet with the designers behind Rodarte, Band of Outsiders, Proenza Schoulder, Fendi, and of course Alexander Wang. Munch on food from neighborhood restaurants and enjoy DJ sets by "friends" of Opening Ceremony. 35 Howard Street.

1. Barneys
As expected, Barneys will be killing it during Fashion's Night Out, hosting such famous faces as the Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen bartending, Isabel Toledo, Alexander Wang for runway lessons, Juan Carlos Obando teaching salsa and more. Oh yea, and they'll be teaching knitting and hosting a fashion green market curated by Vogue editor Tonne Goodman. There's too much to list here; click above for all the details. 660 Madison Avenue.

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Style.com.