Jessica Simpson Covers New York Magazine Spring Fashion Issue

This makes me happy on so many levels!!
Jessica Simpson on the cover of New York Magazine's Spring Fashion Issue

Firstly, I am loving these images! If there is one thing Jessica Simpson knows, its how to take a great picture!But actually, there is something else she knows too, and that is how to build a giant fashion empire.

In 2010 Jessica Simpson's fashion empire rang up $750 million in sales.
To put this in perspective, that means she is selling approximately the same volume as heavy weight Michael Kors.
This year with the addition of a full ready to wear collection and a "career separates" line, sales are expected to hit the $1 billion mark.

In an industry where celebrity clothing lines are doomed to fail (with the exception of the Olsen twins brilliant lines, and Victoria Beckham's divine but tiny dress line, very few actually make it)
The magic formula seems to be the goal that: “A girl could go to the shopping mall with her mother and she’d have a great new outfit and still have some money left for lunch at McDonald’s. She can look like Jessica Simpson, smell like Jessica Simpson, and she can afford it.” 

After all the attacks Jessica has had to endure about her music, her acting, her love life and her fluctuating weight, you'd think she'd enjoy taking this moment to turn her nose up at her detractors.
But not so. 
 Everyone who knows her (as in people at my end of the industry) talk about how totally lovely she is. Even douchey John Mayer who famously labeled her "sexual napalm" (which has to be the best compliment ever, especially allowing for how much he gets around!), races to her defense, and tells what a sweet and lovely girl she is.
And so, with sweet grace and dignity she moves forward, looking incredibly hot as she takes it all the way to the bank.

images by Ruven Afanador for New York Magazine

Holly Smith, Academy of Art University student show

I thought this was pretty fabulous.

I haven't been able to get this dress out of my mind for the past 24 hours. I love the color, the cut, the form, and the boots!

Part of New York Fashion Week are the student showings. They give us an opportunity to see what the designers of the future are thinking and doing.
This year is has been a selection of students from the city's Academy of Art University.
I was particularly taken with Holly Smith, who contrasted hoods with plunging necklines.
I didn't particularly care for the makeup, but how fantastic are the clothes???

source and images fashionising.com

New York Fashion Week F/W 2011 Farah Angsana

This is gorgeous!

"70's Glam" was the inspiration for the make-up looks at Farah Angsana's Fall 2011 collection.

Make-up artist Tara Drake brought the look to life by creating a dark, smoky eye, with eyelash extensions to add more drama and bright, red lips- reminiscent of Debbie Harry.

Makeup was provided by Make Up For Ever, MAC, Bobbi Brown and Nars. The models' hair was twisted, pinned and hairsrayed into retro, 1960's mod beehives.

Do you just love it???

source and images beautypress.com

New York Fashion Week F/W 2011 Rag & Bone

At Rag & Bone Fall Winter 2011. Makeup: Revlon’s Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman, paired a smoky eye with sun burnt skin for the Rag & Bone Fall 2011 collection, bringing forth the designer’s vision of an urban Eskimo.

Behnaz Sarafpour's fall/winter 2011 collection was exquisite.

 A completely neutral color palette was offset by beautifully deconstructed, slightly messy hair, and soft makeup ehanced by a moody, smoky eye. I'm not 100% certain, but it looks like Gucci Westman designed this lovely makeup look too.

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Jason Wu

 Oh I die. I die! Every season I just die over Jason Wu.

Too, too fabulous. The drama! The glamor!

Makeup was designed by Diane Kendal for MAC
“it’s versailles pulled into the modern world. a vibrant gold highlight amidst a deeply shadowed eye gives a baroque twist to a simple look.”-Diane Kendal

I love him!

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Mara Hoffman

This exotic and mysterious collection of floor sweeping dresses and Peruvian knits, tribal prints, hooded gowns and chunky separates was both powerful and alluring.

Intricate details such as braiding and tassels met with turbans and a bohemian/tribal mix of bronze jewelery were perfectly offset by soft messy hair, glowing skin and a middle eastern nod with a kohled black eye.

And the finger tips!

This was one of those collections that stops you in your tracks. I want it all!

Check out the review (with fabulous pictures) from The Clothes Whisperer

and the interview on FabTV

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 Libertine

The Libertine Show was one of my favorites so far. Bold, exciting colors, fun prints and some really fabulous pieces. Dresses reminiscent of the Kennedy era, hitting just above the knee, full coats with movement - the cuts were classic and clean, but the colors and prints made them so modern and alive.
Makeup Forever artist Lottie Stannard designed the makeup around a strong, bold eye and a soft yet strong hued lip.