CLAUDIO CINA

'James Dean' Looks & 'Bette Davis Eyes' - James Franco on the Cover of Vogue Hommes International

cover shot by Terry Richardson

Beauty does sell magazine covers! And in this case, all of James Franco's fans old and new are going to love this cover once it hits newsstands.  For Vogue Hommes International, their Spring/Summer 2011 issue pays homage to the 'James Dean' -esque good looks that Franco was told he had when he first hit the acting scene.  Since then, he has become a fully bonafied fashion icon, who Frida Giannini, the creative director at Gucci has made the face of their Menswear.  The cover is a ode to the 70's style of photography, with tank top and underarm hair in check, Helmut Newton would be proud of the rawness of this photograph.

Look for this to hit new stands after the 18th of March. Can't wait to see the rest of the editorials!!!  Below are two photos by Helmut Newton that I immediately thought of when I saw this cover. Same mood.

above two photographs taken by Helmut Newton, source, "Pages from the Glossies"

Lara Stone on the Cover of February Paris Vogue

Vogue Paris February 2011 cover in newstands January 21; photo courtesy of vogue.fr.com
Gucci Spring 2011; photo courtesy Vogue.com

On the February cover of French Vogue with the last issues before the departure of Carine Roitfeld, Lara Stone, a favorite model of the magazine graces the cover wearing bright bold colors dressed in Gucci.  I love the fresh garden meets "Studio 54" vibe to the cover.  Lara Stone's alabaster skin against the colors of her make up and clothes is like a nice cold drink on a hot day. Above is the same look on Joan Smalls on the Gucci runway at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011.  It definitely elevates the already polished look set forth on the runway. It could be very "Tom Ford" for Gucci circa 2004.

Great colored makeup by Francois Nars for Gianni Versace Spring 1993

QUEEN VICTORIA - Victoria Beckham on the February Cover of British Vogue

Victoria Beckham is on the February cover of British Vogue looking very earthy and natural, a contrast to the polished glamazon that we are used to seeing on the streets and red carpet.  Although it is not a cover with a lot of action the pastel colors are very pretty. Another reason to like it is that it does not look like a "celebrity shot" which has become monotonous.  It is an image where the photographer has managed to catch it's subject relaxed, serene, very minimal, but still giving plenty of fashion attitude.  The latest news is that the Beckhams are expecting their fourth child.  Brad and Angelina are not the only one's building a Football team!

all photos courtesy www.vogue.co.uk  

Steven Meisel - VENUS IN FURS

above photos; November Issue 2010 Vogue Italia; Venus in Furs shot by Steven Meisel

above; Gianni Versace Fall/Winter 1982/83 ad campaign shot by Richard Avedon

After looking at the Steven Meisel editorial for Vogue Italia, I fell in love with it.  I also realized that it reminded me of the Gianni Versace ad campaign from the early 80's shot by Richard Avedon.  See the resemblance?  The models are dressed a lot less in Meisel's photos, but the sexiness and composition reminded me of Versace.  Either way, they are both amazing photographic masterpieces.

Adieu Carine~

photo courtesy style.com; Carine Roitfeld front row, John Galliano Spring 2009, Paris Fashion Week

What sad sad news today!  It was publicly announced this morning that Carine Roitfeld, the Editor-In-Chief of French Vogue would be stepping down from her position.  What I can say is out of all the magazines out there, and believe me, there are many, French Vogue is always on the top of my list. All because of Carine. Although I am happy for her to move onto other things, I find it hard to envision what the magazine will look like without her.  Part of me is still in denial and the fashion world will definitely miss her presence and voice.

She has been responsible for promoting and standing behind many talents in the industry and I am sure that each and everyone of them in some way or another has reached out to her personally.

We will will all be waiting and watching eagerly as we were with Tom Ford to see where this major force in fashion plants her feet next.  She will come back stronger than ever, like the rising Phoenix.  Don't forget what people like Phoebe Philo have accomplished after coming back to the industry after some good time off.

Again, Carine, wishing you all the best although we are sad to hear the news.

Madame Tussauds Unveils Lady Gaga Wax Figures

all photos of mutiple Lady Gaga wax figures courtesy Vogue.it.com

Eight new wax figures were unveiled of Lady Gaga displayed at Madame Tussauds in New York, Las Vegas, London, Hollywood, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong and Shanghai.  According to Vogue Italia's website, "bosses at the popular museum are said to have spent $2.4 million (approximately $300,000 each) on their precise recreations of Gaga's most noteworthy looks. 

Some of her most famous outfits were replicated and Madame Tussauds was only to happy to make fans wishes come true by taking to the challenge of replicating her every detail.

Why not stop by Madame Tussauds in every part of the globe?  Gaga makes it all the more worth it!

Keira Knightley Cover of January British Vogue

A super glossy and sleek Keira Knightley photographed for Vogue UK by Mario Testino in Miu Miu, Sonia Rykiel, Prada and Marni makes you think Helmut Newton circa 1970.

Gisele Bündchen on the December Issue of Vogue Italia

photo courtesy vogueitalia.it; Gisele wears a tulle dress embroidered with beads and sequins by Valentino

NEW ORDER... Vogue Italia November 2010 Cover

"Soft sensation. Sensuality and softness. A world of sensations evoked by a drop of luxurious, all-enveloping fragrance is similar to the intense emotions stimulated by a fur coat on the skin"  Vogue Italia.com

photo Steven Meisel;Marmot, pekan and kidassia blouson, Roberto Cavalli. Laced gloves, Todd Lynn; leather garters,Erro; boots, Ann Demeulemeester. Hair by Guido for Redken. Make-up by Pat McGrath for Max Factor. Fashion editor Karl Templer.

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2010 collection courtesy Style.com

above photos taken by me on a recent trip to Paris; Roberto Cavalli Store Rue St. Honoré

What an amazing cover Franca Sozzani and crew!  The colors - skin tones, browns, greys and blacks are striking. They go back so beautifully with what Roberto Cavalli had said with his Fall 2010 collection, which I had the pleasure of looking at thoroughly while I was window shopping at night on Rue St. Honoré.

All in honor of his 40 years in the business, the November cover promotes Roberto Cavalli's Anniversary, the latest addition to his fragrance empire.  Vogue Italia.com calls it " a seductive, warm fragrance that invests the skin with a unique fascination.  The opening fanfare is marked by the fruity freshness of raspberry, green apple and red pepper. The heart is warmed with a blend of wonderful flowers: jasmine, heliotrope and orange blossom. The final touch embraces the body with a precious hint of patchouli and vanilla."  I can't wait to smell it.  It may be on my list of gifts for Christmas!!!

Roberto Cavalli's latest female fragrance, Anniversary

 

Andrew Yang's Designer Dolls Strut Their Stuff at Barney's Fashion's Night Out

             

               Barney's Event Guide for FNO featuring Anna & Grace dolls by Andrew Yang

There was a lot of buzz at Barney's New York last night.  But the most amount of traffic was on the 4th Floor where legendary doll maker and friend Andrew Yang displayed his exquisite hand made creations.  The dolls, inspired by fashion icons and the designs of Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Balmain, and many more, were on display.  The detail and craftsmanship was amazing!  It looked effortless in the hands of Yang, despite all the hours of hard work that it took to make each one come to life.

above; all Alexander Mcqueen

 

Balenciaga

Givenchy

 

Lanvin     Balmain

Rodarte

 

Rodarte                                                                        Stella McCartney

Andrew's Dolls have gotten a lot of attention and after viewing them in person, one can see why.  For Fashion's Night Out, Barney's New York commissioned him to make an Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington doll.  Both will be auctioned at Charity Buzz.com with 100% of the net proceeds going to The New York Aids Fund.  The auction closes September 21, so put your bids in NOW. Andrew also recently came back from Asia, where he was flew in to do an in-store presentation for Joyce, a very upscale and prestigious department store in Hong Kong.

Grace Coddington & Anna Wintour

I remember seeing prototypes of Andrew's first dolls back in 2008.  It is such a thrill to see his work get the attention it deserves.  We will be seeing a lot more of him, so stay tuned.  He is not a one trick pony.  When not busy making dolls, you will find Yang applying his talents as an Illustrator, Photographer and Artist. To check out Andrew's blog and website, you can visit "The Kouklitas", which comes from the Greek word for doll.  Thank you Andrew Yang and Fashion Night Out.  What a Success!

Andrew Yang & Me