Girl Crush of the Day

Alice Hage

2011-04-02T22:52:00.011-04:00

the eyes are the window to your soul

Alice Hage has a pair of the most beautiful I've seen

One glance and she had me hooked

Michelle Ochs

2010-03-24T22:39:00.007-04:00

"The Cushnie et Ochs woman is no wallflower! She is someone with a strong presence, someone definitive who wants to put herself out there."

Michelle Ochs should know. One half of striking design duo Cushnie et Ochs, she embodies the sexy and strong woman she designs for. Razor-edge bob and a megawatt smile, the German-Filipino is confident yet bubbly and warm. With her partner Carly Cushnie, right after winning Parsons' Designer of the Year Award in 2007 (Cushnie placed right behind), went straight to work launching their own line. No business experience, first job straight out of school.

"We’re young, and becoming CEOs basically of our own company, so we kind of liked that aspect of it."

Cushnie et Ochs was immediately crowned the "next Proenza Schouler" by the New York fashion industry, and an Ecco Domani award followed in 2009.

"Few things are more electrifying than bearing witness to the nerves and excitement of a young designer’s first break-out show. It was highly anticipated by myself and the Bergdorf team ... the last girl walks, the curtain closes, they take a nervous bow. Cushnie et Ochs delivered and the label was born!" declared Bergdorf Goodman Fashion Director Linda Fargo. She ordered six pieces from their first collection to hang alongside major designers Marc Jacobs and Prada. Today Bergdorfs and Browns in London carry the collection.

For fall 2010, similar rave reviews were published.

"Watching their tough urban glamazons stalk down the catwalk in their Alejandro Ingelmo wedge-heeled booties and Albertus Swanepoel cloche hats emboldened by a strong-shouldered coat atop skinny leather pants, black leather body-con dresses, perforated leather pencil skirts and a savagely sexy fox-trimmed sweater, our overwhelming reaction was, simply, I want to look like that." - Lauren David Peden, vogue.com

They are supermodel clothes: lean, body-conscious silhouettes. I like a girl who can pull it off: fearless attitude, incredible talent yet feminine. Michelle is a girl who can make it in a man's world.

Cushnie et Ochs

Natasha Khan

2010-03-10T22:20:00.006-05:00

Compared to Björk and Kate Bush, Bat for Lashes singer Natasha Khan is an indie rock darling. She's been nominated for the Mercury and Brit awards multiple times. Kanye West is a fan. So is Rolling Stone Magazine and style.com. Radiohead and Coldplay both handpicked her to open on their tours. Part hippie spirit, part storyteller, she weaves fantastical, dream-like tales while costumed in Indian headdresses, braids, face paint and caftans.

My favorite song by Natasha: "What's a Girl to Do," an epic, sweeping ballad about heartbreak. A bit short, but its haunting sound resonates.

Bat for Lashes official site

Yu-na Kim (김연아 or 金姸兒)

2010-03-02T22:53:00.012-05:00

“Kim Yuna is a champion for all time” - Philip Hersh, Los Angeles Times

She is the girl who has captured the hearts of the world and reenergized her home country. “Queen” Yu-na Kim (김연아 or 金姸兒) broke world records and skated two flawless programs to win Olympic gold at the 2010 games. She is the first female skater to win all the ISU international championships (ISU World Championships, ISU Grand Prix Final, and ISU Four Continents Championships).

“When you’re with [Kim] in Korea, it’s like you’re traveling with Princess Diana; Yu-na’s that famous there.” – Kim’s coach Brian Orser

Already extraordinarily popular in South Korea, with endorsement deals from companies such as Nike, Hyundai Motor Company and Kookmin Bank cashing in at $8 million in 2009, Kim is the sweetheart of the nation. Now, with the Olympic win, financial analysts and large corporations are attributing their projected economic revival on her.

"South Korea’s strong performance in the Olympics may cause people to view the economy’s performance in a more favorable light. Korea, the country, has the ability to outperform the world economy.” - Timothy Condon, ING Bank, Singapore, Chief Asia economist

Not just South Korea’s sweetheart, she has spurred the imagination and optimism of the world—all through the power of beauty. She is a rare combination of raw talent and ethereal grace. Elegant gestures, fluid transitions, there was no sign of struggle with her program. Kim singularly embodied the emotions and movements of the choreography. It is this perfection that memorizes then charms.

“She’s the whole package. Her jumps are soaring and they’re equal. You don’t have one big one followed by a little tiny jump. I think she’s grown choreographically. She’s very musical. The whole thing is very beautiful and athletic, but not too athletic. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything when I watch her.” – Dorothy Hamill, 1976 Olympic figure skating gold medalist

“One of the greatest women’s figure skaters of any era.” - Jeré Longman, New York Times

“Technically, she’s the greatest of all time. If she skates a little longer and does this over the next three or four years, she will be the greatest skater of all time.” - Ted Barton, someone who helped to devise the new points-based scoring system

"This is the best routine I've ever seen in an Olympic competition." - Sandra Bezic, NBC

“Stella Kim touched and gave happiness to all Koreans by … overcoming various difficulties and doing her best…. [I hope] lots of young people will gain confidence and hope through Kim’s achievement.” - Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk

"[Kim’s] passion and strong spirit brought great excitement and pleasure to the people." - South Korea President Lee Myung-Bak

“I think the whole nation is in front of the television. Kim Yu-na is the country’s special sister. Every athlete is important, but her medal is more important than the others. She is beautiful. She’s our pride. I think Koreans will have a lot of drinks.”- John Moon, Chief of Staff of the South Korean Olympic Committee

Hard working, modest, talented in figure skating and singing, I look forward to seeing how Yu-na Kim's story evolves.

"My dream doesn't end with the Olympics. I have a bigger future ahead of me. I'm not done yet."

Official Site

Yu-na Kim, a Singer and Figure Skater

Yu-na Kim's Free Skate Program for the Olympic Season
(not her actual Olympic performance)

Sources: popseoul.com, Korean Beacon, Korea Insider, Gabriel Bouys/Agence France-Presse

Isabel Marant

2010-02-27T21:23:00.003-05:00

“Every French girl wears Isabel Marant." - W

French girls are known for their effortless chic style: just-rolled-out-of-bed, grab something from off the ground, and ready to go. But the whole look -- from bed hair to flawless skin to well-loved clothes -- is deliberate. Designer Isabel Marant's clothes help a lot. Her boheme, slouchy pieces are comfortable yet stylish. They mix easily into your wardrobe, giving a bit of on trend élan to every look.

"If you want to find out what the cool crowd will be wearing next season, there's no better place to look than the Isabel Marant show." - Nicole Phelps, style.com

"All the foreign fashion editors when they go to Paris head straight to Isabel Marant.... There is a buzz on Isabel Marant because she put her finger on how women want to dress." - Lisa Armstrong, Fashion Editor of the Times

"She creates clothes that are part of a wardrobe, not just part of a trend." - Vanessa Friedman, Fashion Editor of the Financial Times

"Hers is an aesthetic that produces clothes women want to wear without necessarily demanding mega-watt attention." - Dolly Jones, vogue.co.uk

"Marant isn’t interested in the showstopping theatrics and splashy editorial looks that high fashion favors. She does real clothes with a carefully calibrated hip quotient that’s edgy but accessible." - Jessica Iredale, W

From pirates (spring 2010) to country girls (spring 2009) and the knickknacks she buys from all over the world while traveling, Isabel gets inspiration from everywhere. Her collection is completely a reflection on herself and what she likes.

"My point of view has always been to do clothes that I wanted to wear and then show them to the press."

"My clothes are for everyday life. They are timeless and always about comfort and shape."

She has been honing her talent and tastes for 21 years, when she launched the label in 1989. But it was until 1994 that she shifted away from jewelry and accessories to designer clothes. In 1999 she founded a secondary line, Etoile, to bring more accessibility to a younger clientele.

Isabel describes her process as "down-to-earth." It is slow, painstakingly so. She is one of those designers who has been off the radar for so long that every new client who discovers her feels like they have been let in on a secret. (True she is every Parisian girl's favorite designer, but to foreigners, she is still very much an enigma.) And those who do know about her find it incredibly frustrating to be unable to find her designs. Isabel Marant is expanding slower than demand calls for. Part of it is because she does everything herself. The other part is because she wants to control the quality.

“When you have too many stores, everything is so important; if you have a failure somewhere, everything comes crashing down and everybody starts to freak out and calculate too much. And then you start to lose your soul.”

Isabel is now finally ready to launch full on in the US. Her Soho store at 55 Greene Street will in April. Shoppers from all around the world can finally find her collection online at net-a-porter.com, where it just debuted (and many pieces subsequently sold out).

But, don’t worry, just because it is easier to buy Isabel Marant’s ruched suede boots dripping with chains, or pleated peg-legged pants doesn’t mean the cool factor will be diluted. Isabel designs clothes meant to elevate individual style. This means wear the clothes as you wish, mix with what you own. You wear the clothes, not the other way around. And that is the true secret of French dressing: comfort, individuality, with just a touch of cool.

“Our clients love the laid-back, ethnic glamour that underwrites all [Isabel Marant] pieces. The great thing about her clothes is that women feel they don’t need to do top-to-toe Isabel. One piece tends to pull the vibe together for clients who don’t want to look too groomed or too 'fashion’. There is a confidence and energy behind the brand that doesn’t need to be on trend to catch our imagination.... There’s no risk involved in wearing them. You will never look like you’ve tried too hard and that’s pretty unbeatable at the moment." - Ruth Chapman, co-owner of the Matches boutiques

http://www.isabelmarant.tm.fr/

Behind the Scenes of the Spring 2010 Isabel Marant Show

Isabel Marant Spring 2010 Runway

Spring 2010 Ad Campaign

Natasha Kissell

2010-02-24T22:13:00.019-05:00

“I felt the need to express my innermost thoughts and unable to do this through other means, the thing that came most naturally to me was scribbling with felt tips, crayons whatever I could get my hands on as a child. It all took off from there.”

At 25, Natasha Kissell took the art world by storm when the famed Saatchi Gallery purchased her entire Royal College of Art graduation show.

Natasha’s paintings are hyper realistic – you see the intimate details of a butterfly wing, individual tree branches, steel planks – but the juxtaposition of the objects are not – a modern house similar to her childhood home often sits in bucolic environs, or perched comfortably on the side of a snowy hill.

“You start off with your ideas, but then something completely different happens as the materials respond to your touch and you arrive at a completely different destination. This tactile quality leads to surprises which keep the whole process fresh and unlimited, taking me out of what I know and think to other thoughts and ideas.”

Her work is transcendental: they do not exist, but they are made of elements that do exist in their singularity. Put together, it is this unexpected, but deeply emotional, composition that she likes to describe as “Magical Realism.”

“Without ever introducing any human figures, Natasha Kissell’s works introduce very human feelings – romance, fear, excitement and wonder.” – Eleven Fine Art

But beyond just provoking a reaction, Natasha’s work is witty and intelligent. They show parallels between nature and civilization, the similarities of displacement in both modern and underdeveloped societies. And she does it with great beauty: vibrant colors and dreamlike optimism.

"Something magical happens with painting, it awakens your mental muscles. It's like a window and you leap into the world it represents. I love the lusciousness of brush marks."

Natasha is now a solid fixture in the London and New York art scenes, with past exhibitions at Gallery 10G (NY) and The Chambers Gallery (London). Deutsche Bank, HSBC, the Ovitz Family Collection and Knoxville Museum of Art are all collectors. Her imaginative depiction of utopia titled “Artificial Paradises” is currently showing at London’s Eleven Gallery through March 13.

Click for more information on Natasha Kissell.

Credits: Jill Fortunoff Gerstenblatt, Gallery 10G, Dafydd Jones, Natasha Kissell

Nathalie Croix

2010-02-23T20:32:00.024-05:00

"I continue to discover this amazing world we live in and I vow to never stop being curious and fascinated."

There are those rare occasions when you meet someone so captivating, no amount of divine prose can rightfully capture the moment. I was in awe when I first met Nathalie Croix. She was gorgeous, no doubt -- it was one of those statements of fact, taken for granted -- but there was more: her joie de vivre, her spirit, her energy -- it was mesmerizing just to watch. Nathalie had an ethereal quality. She did not behave in the way the people I am used to behaved; she was unfettered, free. And she was nice, unbelievably sweet. A free spirit in the purest form.

"I consider myself a citizen of the world."

Nathalie was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to a Brazilian mother and French father. Her stepfather is from Argentina and stepmother from Portugal. She moved a lot as a child, living in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, France and the US. She is fluent in four languages: French, Portuguese, Spanish and English.

"No matter where I was living in the world, every year I spent 2 to 3 months in Rio and often visited France. Obviously all the globe trotting at such a young age was due to my family's work. It wasn't an option for me. This was the only reality I knew and it wasn't something I ever thought to be glamorous or chic because for me it meant leaving my friends behind with every new move and for a child or a teenager this is hard. But I learned a lot and I grew up fast. I counted how many schools I attended and it was something like eight or nine.

I had to learn survival skills for each time I started a new school and met new kids. I had to learn that there are many different cultures and ways of life at a very young age. I learned diversity but also that no matter from what part of the Globe you are ultimately we are all the same. The schools I attended had children literally from all parts of the world and they spoke all languages. People from Africa, Asia, Europe, South, Central, North America, Russia, New Zealand, Australia you name it. Growing up in this manner is what shaped the core of who I am today. When I look at things I see the whole and beyond."

At eleven years old, Nathalie discovered her passion. Her family had moved to Mexico, and she had just shifted her focus from modeling to ballet.

"It was while in Mexico that I got introduced to yoga, I will never forget. My best girl friend was also from Brazil and her mother was a devotee of Gurumayi from Siddha Yoga. She took me to an Ashram and I fell in love with India. I began studying meditation and doing seva (voluntary work) at the Ashram. This is also when I started thinking about becoming a vegetarian. I was eleven years old. I begged my aunt to take me with her to the Ashram and my mom let me go. I can't explain why I was so mesmerized by this entire philosophy. But from there and on yoga was always a big part of my life."

But yoga was not the only thing that Nathalie concentrated on. Not only was she was an accomplished dancer, but when she moved back to Brazil at age fourteen, she was immediately re-signed to her old modeling agency, Bamboo (later bought by Elite models). It upset her agent that she also continued to surf, as too much sun was bad for photos. As a Gia Carangi-lookalike, Nathalie lived a wild and glamorous life from 15-22. As a model in Rio, New York and Paris, she partied with celebrities such as Prince. After graduating from high school at 17, she moved to Paris to enroll in dance school.

"My agency (Elite) helped me get some gigs in Paris and it was a very wild time in my life. I was very young 17/18 years old living in Paris in my very own apartment and attending dance school. I had family in Paris so I wasn't entirely alone. I lived with my boyfriend who was also a fashion model, we shared an apartment in the fifth arrondissement, right by Saint Michel, Quartier Latin. What an amazing time. Together, we discovered rave parties, many long weekend trips to London and Amsterdam. I stayed with [my boyfriend] for many years, later on he suicide and this was very tough on me."

At 18, she became disenchanted from modeling and decided to focus on her dance career. She became a dancer for Euro Disney, performing as Pluto, Snow White and the Little Mermaid. Later she joined Michael Jackson on his Dangerous tour.

"All I really wanted to do was help people through yoga."

After a few years, she decided on another life change. Nathalie won a scholarship in Performing Arts to the University of New Orleans. She was 22. She double majored in Kinesiology and Print Journalism. But yoga draw her in, once again.

"During my first year in the US I began practicing ashtanga yoga, it was amazing for me. It allowed me to be very physical, I was accustomed to as a dancer and it also integrated my love for Indian philosophy and culture. Soon I left for India with my ashtanga teacher and spent some time there learning yoga.

In four and a half years I graduated from College, danced for my school's company, rarely went out, did very little partying unlike most kids in College. I had to be very disciplined because I had to maintain my grades and my scholarship. I participated in the American College Dance Festival four years and I practiced ashtanga six days a week. During this time the yoga really helped me stay centered. My last couple of years in College I was teaching yoga on campus and helping my ashtanga teacher with her yoga classes. I was apprenticing yoga from her.

I was teaching yoga to the dancers in my company and often we used the primary series of ashtanga as our dance company warm up before concerts. During College vacations I flew to California to attend several yoga teacher trainings and get certified to teach."

After a short stint as a reporter in New Orleans, she relocated to Los Angeles to "learn from the best of the best."

"I wanted to be in the most cutting edge environment for yoga and that was/is California.

I took yoga classes almost every day while in Los Angeles from some of the best teachers in the world. I also completed a very intensive teacher training program for six months. I found a yoga mentor who helped me so much. This woman still helps me and guides me to this day her name is Annie Carpenter. It was perfect, because like me she had also been a serious dancer."

Nathalie joined a large yoga studio in LA, Yoga Works. It was where she honed her skills as a business woman, learning the behind-the-scenes operations of running a yoga studio. Also during this time, she traveled to India regularly to study with yoga masters. She is currently faculty at Santa Monica College, teaching yoga and dance.

Despite loving Los Angeles, where she describes it as having "a high state of consciousness," Nathalie was wooed away to New Orleans.

"I never forgot New Orleans. Katrina hit New Orleans while I was in L.A.. A few months later I was invited to come teach yoga for 2 months in New Orleans and help Katrina victims recover. I came down and lived in the French Quarter for a couple of months and taught yoga in public schools for children. It was truly amazing...."

Recently, my first yoga teacher invited me to help jump start a new yoga school in New Orleans and help train some local teachers. It was a tough decision for me to move away from Los Angeles, but I realized after much thought that the value would be greater at this moment in my life if I took the job in New Orleans. I am now the program director for Life Yoga Studio and the export adviser for the Yoga Works Teacher Training in New Orleans. I also teach classes at Tulane University."

Although still quite young, Nathalie Croix has lived a very full and adventurous life. She is worldly, but unjaded. She is blessed, but she shares her gifts with others. Her generosity has lent itself to volunteering at a children's orphanage in Mysore, South India; and for animal shelters and organizations like PETA, the Humane Society and SPCA. Her current project is helping some friends develop an English language school to girls in Pakistan.

I find it wholly touching that when Nathalie describes herself -- despite her breadth of experiences, and her many successes -- that she still maintains sincere desire in self- and world-discovery.

"I have learned that life is full of mysteries and that sometimes we don't get answers to our questions. There are times which is best to leave some things unanswered. Life moves forward. It always has and it always will. I try to be as content as possible in the present moment. There are sad moments and happy one and they are all equally valuable."

She is still searching for insight, knowledge, shared experiences--not to achieve some sort of ends, not to give credence to her beliefs, but to learn for the sake of learning and understanding.

"I am an avid reader. I have an all girls book club and this is a passion for me - it is incredible to learn so many different view points on life through these amazing girls in my book club."

Nathalie's story is constantly evolving. She takes those large risks we want to take for ourselves, but hold back because we are afraid.

I know now, in retrospect, I was drawn to Nathalie when I first met her, not because of her instant glamor or even her vivaciousness--it was because I felt a sort of kindred spirit. By example, she teaches that there are no rules, just follow your heart when opportunities come, be true to yourself, and when you achieve inner success, outer success will follow. I applaud her curious and courageous spirit, and am honored to be her friend.

Astrid Bergés-Frisbey

2010-02-21T23:08:00.009-05:00

Astrid Bergés-Frisbey memorizes.

Born in Barcelona, and raised in Paris, she dropped plans to study osteopathic science after her father passed away. Instead, she turned to comedic acting.

Her wide-eyed beauty is much too compelling to contain her in small television roles. She is an up and comer, on the brink of major stardom. Her most recent film, Extase, by Cheyenne Carron, is in the running for the Cannes International Film Festival. The biggest fashion houses (like Chloé) sit her front row. British label French Connection, who has a penchant for only hiring the hottest girls of the moment (last season it was Rolling Stone daughters Alexandra and Theodora Richards) cast her as the face of spring 2010.

Astrid is enchanting, a graceful beautiful with a sweet demeanor--the kind of actress that captures hearts as well as turns heads.

French Connection Spring 2010 Ad Campaign

Winners of Girl Crush of the Day Fashion Week Contest

2010-02-19T22:12:00.008-05:00

I am truly inspired by all the girl crush entries, from fashionistas to actresses to activists to just plain cool girls -- it was great to hear everyone's suggestions. Thank you for entering Girl Crush of the Day's Fashion Week Contest. Thank you so much for opening my eyes!

The winners are:
Naomi P., USA (Leighton Meester)
Charlene D., Japan (Kiko Mizuhara, Editor of Vivi Magazine)
Adrian J., USA (Whitney Port, Agyness Deyn)
Phyllis J., USA (Christine Caine, creator of A21 Campaign)
Ilknur N., Turkey (Milla Jojovich)
Nixon P., USA (Nixon Powell, blogger of www.nixonpowell.com)
Kathleen D., Philippines (Diane Kruger)

Grand Prize:
Mary Peters, USA (Erin Peters)

Congratulations winners!

Mary's entry touched my heart. I am also very close to my sisters. It is obvious her sister, Erin, is an inspiration to her. Erin gives the people around her the joy of beauty and optimism, despite her condition. What made this entry even sweeter is that Mary wanted me to send her sister the prize, because she knew it would make her day, as Erin misses attending fashion week.

Both Mary and Erin Peters are my girl crushes for the day.

THE WINNING ENTRY:

My name is Mary Peters and I would like to vote for my sister, Erin Peters for the girl crush contest. She is 35 and lives in the Pocono's (PA) located about 90 minutes from NYC. We grew up in the NYC area and she attended college and worked in the fashion industry up until 6 years ago.

Not only is she the most phenomenally fashion savvy and chic woman, she does so as she fights a rare and terminal brain disease. When she goes in for treatments, has major brain surgery or when she has a horrible day she ALWAYS looks great! She makes a pair of pajamas look amazing! She pairs basics with a splash of color and goes by the mantra "if you look bad, you will feel bad". She loves high-end designer clothing and has rows of neatly folded jeans, racks of beautiful basics and TONS of shoes -- much of which she can no longer wear due to her illness and despite the many she has given away. However, every chance she gets she will put on one piece and dress it down. I am no fashionista by any means. All I can give you is an example. Two days ago I went to visit her and she opened the door in an Alexander McQueen dress with a long sleeve T underneath and a pair of Uggs. She was upset that this designer had died since she worked with him during New York Fashion Week prior to becoming to ill, as part of her career. Last week I brought her to her treatment and she had on the most adorable halter style floral dress with a long t underneath. She paired it with a super soft cashmere cardigan and knee high brown boots (ones that are worn just right) and tights. She took three different seasons of clothing and re-purposed them into one ultra chic outfit! She is stopped EVERY time we go out by at least one person who compliments her on her choice of outfit. She is amazing inside and out! She designs jewelry for with all proceeds to benefit the Foundation for her disease, even though she can barely walk some days. She gives her all to everyone except herself. I think part of her still getting dressed and looking chic is to show her family that she is OK. Fashion is her comfort zone and she is fantastic at spotting trends, new designers and sales like nobody else!

She has dedicated her life to fashion and beauty. We grew up in a very poor area and she would hook me up with the latest trends by making something old into something that was unique and fashion forward. She always has her hand on the pulse of fashion and everything associated with it. She would take thrift store and hand me down finds and created a phenomenal look for me growing up.

She is my style icon, my girl crush and my hero!

Anyone who ever meets her loves her and she just loves everyone! I hate to see her suffer but she does so with so much grace and courage. She is an inspiration!

- Mary Peters

Erin Fetherston 2

2010-02-15T01:22:00.009-05:00

It was a Happy Valentine's Day from designer Erin Fetherston. Perfect lilac roses, Jacques Torres chocolate, champagne ... Erin knows what a girl wants. But even better was her fall 2010 collection titled "Chelsea Girl": knee length dresses with high boots, flowy silk tops, the most glam white suit -- it was a 70s affair. The collection was no gimmick, just wearable, grown-up feminine clothes. The fact that the models were adorable with Erin Fetherston-signature long hair and bangs only added to the charm.

(AND, further proof Erin is my kindred spirit: Zoë Kravitz sat in the front row with a wreath of flowers on her head. She is even more beautiful in person, delicate features, high cheekbones and a vibrant personality.)

More about Erin Fetherston

The fall 2010 collection

New York Fashion Week Contest Update

2010-02-15T01:05:00.007-05:00

It is New York fashion week. My schedule has been enormously busy. But I have not forgotten about girl crush of the day. I will have profiles on some amazing girls posted very soon!

The contest has been extended to February 17, noon EST. I will have multiple winners. Basically, I am just looking for recommendations for cool girls to feature on girl crush. You can either send me an email, or twitter me (mygirlcrush).

Good luck! xx

Here is a partial selection of what you will receive for the best entry. I will be adding more! And you can always make requests for the things you like--I am flexible. (ie if you like more product, I can send you more product; if you like more magazines, more invitations, notes on the collections, I can focus on that too).

Click here for contest rules and details

Ania Arcaini

2010-02-11T01:30:00.013-05:00

One look is all it takes.

She instantly captivates you.

Flawless style.

Flawless innate style. So rare. Nothing is forced. The nonchalant droop of her furried collar on a leather jacket she just-so-happens to toss over her dress. The hair pull back because it is fast and simple.

"She has the coolest style, body conscious and fun, always with a detail that’s "a little too much." A little too bright, patterned, or clashy."
- Garance Dore

Yet it is a style all her own. Be it in a Michael Angel kaleidoscope dress or a bondage dress à la Mark Fast. It can only be hers.

Luisa Via Roma Assistant Buyer Ania Arcaini turns heads steadily and slowly. No easy feat, given that she works at the most fashionable store in Florence. But there Ania was, and no one, nothing, not even a romantic walk with her boyfriend Scott Schuman (the Sartorialist) could tear superblogger and aesthete Garance Dore's gaze away from her.

That is the power her look.

Photo credit: www.garancedore.fr

Fiona Bollag

2010-02-08T23:05:00.014-05:00

"Das Mädchen, das aus der Stille kam"

"The Girl who came from a world of silence"

Fiona Bollag is one of those girls, vibrant and pretty, with a wide smile and bubbly personality. Even if she wasn't a bestselling author, she would be famous. She has about a million friends, all over the world - friends who champion for her success. Her charisma captivates, her youthful optimism brightens your day. It is hard to imagine that she spent the first sixteen years of her life in silence, never hearing her twinkle of laughter that has charmed so many.

"100 most important Swiss people" - Schweizer Illustrierte

Deafness could not contain Fiona's desire to be heard. At 23, Fiona Bollag became an author. Within two months, her first hardcover run became a bestseller in Germany. Dutch, Polish and Estonian editions followed. Europe had fallen in love with Fiona and her inspirational story.

"At 16 I got Cochlear Implants on right side. Since then my life has completely changed. I could hear much better than before, which I did not expect. For example, I had never heard bird singing in my life! One spring day on our balcony, I asked my mom if those were bird songs. She started to cry..... I just learned to not give up, what I wanted, I got it. I wanted to hear better, that's why I chose the surgery. Five years later, I got my second surgery on my right ear. You need both ears to hear! I may struggle more than other people who are healthy, but I never give up. There are always up and downs, my handicap bothers me at times. Sometimes I wish I could contact people more easily--thank goodness for Blackberry!"

Fiona's love for fashion has solidly - and surprisingly - granted her the opportunities to express herself. She never planned to be an author. She is proof that if you are passionate enough about something, your dreams will come true. Fashion - in the form of a Hermes Birkin - changed her life.

"Les magazines de mode s’entassaient dans l’appartement. Un jour, mon oeil exercé détecta une erreur dans l’édition allemande de Glamour: on avait confondu le sac Birkin d’Hermès avec un sac Kelly! «Je n’en crois pas mes yeux», me disais-je à moi-même, «un magazine de mode qui commet une méprise aussi grossière!» J’envoyai ma critique par courrier électronique à Peter Hummel, reporter en chef de Glamour à Munich. Je terminai par ces mots: «Prière de ne pas téléphoner, je n’entends pas bien.»"

"The fashion magazines were piled in the apartment. One day, my trained eye detected an error in the German edition of Glamour: they had confused the Hermes Birkin bag with a Kelly bag! 'I cannot believe my eyes, I thought to myself , 'a fashion magazine who makes such a large mistake!' I sent my complaint via email to Peter Hummel, chief reporter of Glamour in Munich. I concluded with: 'Please do not call, I cannot hear well.'"

Peter Hummel contacted Fiona, curious of her statement. After hearing her story, he featured her in the magazine. The fervor the article created came to the attention of a German publisher, Ehrenwirth, who suggested Fiona draft her story.

"Le livre est sorti début octobre 2006 pour la Foire du Livre de Francfort. Sur la page de garde, on pouvait lire: copyright by Fiona Bollag. Mon rêve s’était réalisé et si mon nom ne figurait pas comme label sur une robe de soirée, il ornait tout de même un livre que j’avais écrit."

"The book was released in early October 2006 at the Book Fair in Frankfurt. On the cover page, it read: copyright by Fiona Bollag. My dream had come true. Even if my name does not appear on a label of an evening gown, it adorns a book I wrote."

Her book, Das Mädchen, das aus der Stille kam, is only Fiona's first step in self-expression. Although she is looking for an American publisher, fashion remains her passion.

"My paternal grandparents had a boutique in Lugano over 40 years. French celebrities would shop there. My grandmother would go to Paris and Milan fashion weeks as a buyer.

I am inspired by classic style like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie O. My mother told me who those people were instead of bedtime stories of fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. I also grew up with French and Italian Vogue. My aunt sold one of the oldest French Vogues to Dior designer John Galliano! Her wedding gown was by Karl Lagerfeld from the 60s, before he became famous. I am also inspired by my mother, she has good taste. She knows what will be in style before it becomes popular! I learn a lot from her."

Fiona is currently a fashion marketing student at Parsons. Her goal is to become a stylist. Fiona is often praised as a fashionista. Reporters often assume she is wearing designer clothes, but she dresses on a budget. She wants to help people learn how to mix and match their clothes and stay away from trendiness so they can be stylish without sacrifice. "Classic chic" is her mantra. Fashion has a transformative power: it helped Fiona change her life. She wants to use it to help people change their lives, either by helping them have a more positive self image, or by giving them the flight of fantasy to make their lives more colorful.

Fiona will graduate in December 2010. She is a firm believer in positive thinking. Her advice is: "Don't give up, be an optimist, you always can get something what you want, either with handicap or without. Being friendly, charming and helpful!"

"My favorite quotation is from Walt Disney: "If you can dream it, you can do it". And I will not give up. My book, published three years ago, is about my life, the perseverance to not give up."

From the girl who came from a world of silence to authoring the book Das Mädchen, das aus der Stille kam to being on the cover of Reader's Digest in Europe, Fiona's journey is an inspiration, full of promises and surprise. Fiona is embarking on a new phase in her life, trying to make it big in the fashion industry - Birkin in hand - and you cannot help but to be drawn into to her new venture, cheering her on.

Charlotte Casiraghi

2010-02-07T23:33:00.013-05:00

“Stunning.” - Karl Lagerfeld

Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter to Princess Caroline and granddaughter to Grace Kelly, is both like her mother and grandmother: beautiful and graceful. With beauty and her namesake, grace, Grace Kelly captured the world's heart when she married dashing Prince Rainier of Monaco after a fairy tale courtship. Her daughter, Princess Caroline, was known as one of the most beautiful women of her generation. But her beauty was a bit darker: attracting danger in the people she met, and the reckless behavior she exhibited. Charlotte embodies the elegance of our favorite royals: demure, feminine and temperate. But her comeliness: the pouty, slightly downturned lips and the large blue-green eyes entice impolite thoughts. Charlotte is just too sultry for her gentility. With her "normal" yet sheltered upbringing -- paparazzi flash bulbs replaced with public schools and small town life, sans royal title -- the lack of her presence in the spotlight has only intensified her mystery.

The press has tried (and, in a large part, succeeded) to cast Charlotte on the world stage. At 16, Sunday Mirror named her number ten most eligible women. In 2006, Vanity Fair put her on their international best dressed list. They are trying to make an intensely private person a star, basing starpower on her pedigree, her wealthy and influential friends, and her physical appearance. On the outside, Charlotte does have it all. She wear Chanel haute couture, she fits front row at fashion shows, her face launched a multitude of fan sites.

It is what is inside, however, that intrigues us about her. So little is known, besides her talent in as an equestrian, a hobby she started competing in since 1998. But the glimpses that are revealed show a sensitive, charming woman, worthy of her royal heritage. She is passionate about the environment, using her connections to publish Ever Manifesto, a magazine on promoting eco-friendly sustainable fashion. There is much more to this princess than her external allure; she will enrapture us, slowly and steadily.

In her first interview, Charlotte Casiraghi speaks of her riding career

Credits: Wire West Photos, style.com, Eternal Muse, Getty Images

Desirée Rogers

2010-02-06T22:01:00.012-05:00

"[Desiree] Rogers is bright, creative, and has an extraordinary flair for style."
- Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President

Some women have style. White House Social Secretay Desirée Rogers is one of those very few women who not only have innate style, but uses it to her advantage. By style, I mean, front row holding her own next to Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour AND joie de vivre when it comes to everything she does.

"The life of the party." - William Norwich, Vogue

Who else but Desirée could pull off an avant garde evening gown by Comme des Garcon to a White House State Dinner? Regardless of whether you like the dress, with her elegance and big personality, she wore the dress (not the other way around).

What makes Desirée convincing are her strong credentials and her desire to make a positive impact. No one likes a social butterfly who just sits there looking pretty. She graduated from Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, ran organizations and companies such as the Illinois State Lottery, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, and Allstate Financial's social networking site. She understands business and branding. She describes the Obama Presidency as a brand. “You have to think of the social office as a conduit by which we bring to life the ideals of the Obama Presidency,” Desirée says. Her goal os "to create an environment of inclusiveness so that all Americans feel like the White House is their home.... "This campaign engaged a lot of people in ways they had not engaged before. This is about continuing to capture that excitement."

"This is a woman who never sees a wilted bloom. The 49-year-old turns on just enough Southern charm to camouflage an aura of self-assuredness typically reserved for runway models or first ladies."
- Amy Chozick, Wall Street Journal Magazine

"She is fabulous in every direction, very stylish without being overdone, very sophisticated without being overbearing. Approachable."
- Ron Clemente, DC hair stylist

Desirée captures our attention with her refined style (often mentioned on Chicago best dressed lists), our minds with her business savvy, and our hearts with her natural talent in socializing. As the Social Secretary for the Obama administration, she represents and acts upon goals to strengthen the American spirit. "The common thread ... [is to be] able to do something wonderful—like adding a room to the house for an elderly mother, or paying for the grandkids' tuition. If I can re-create that kind of enthusiasm at the White House, then I'm doing my job," says Desirée.

"Desirée Rogers, the glamorous Chicago businesswoman, social figure, and friend of the Obamas’, is a change agent."
- Maureen Orth, Vanity Fair

She can make a difference, she will make a difference, and we can feel good about it when it happens.

Aimee Mullins

2010-02-04T12:53:00.022-05:00

"Hottest Muse" - Rolling Stone Hot List "10 Gutsiest Women" - Jane Magazine "Women We Love" - Esquire "Coolest Girls in Sport" - Sports Illustrated "50 Most Beautiful People" - People Magazine

What does it take for an amputee to become a world record breaking track star and an Alexander McQueen runway model?

Confidence.

Aimee Mullins has it in spades. She needs to. At age one, both of her legs were amputated below the knee due to missing fibula bones. But that did not stop her. At first she impressed through academics. She was chosen by the Department of Defense for a full academic scholarship to Georgetown. At 17, she was the youngest person to hold top-secret security clearance at the Pentagon.

"Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It's much sexier than any body part."

Then in August 1995, Aimee, a natural athlete despite being paralytic, decided to become a runner. Georgetown track and field coach Frank Gagliano, who had trained five Olympians, saw Aimee's determination and skill, and agreed to coach her. One year later at the 1996 Paralympics, she set world records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and long jump.

In 1998, TED, a nonprofit that brings inspirational and innovative people together in its yearly conferences, invited Aimee Mullins to speak. The audience was captivated by her youth and go-getter attitude. She even charmed the fashion crowd, who saw her prosthetic legs as art, displaying her on the front covers of Dazed and Confused and i-D magazines. Avant garde London designer Alexander McQueen was touched by her story, and made a pair of carved wooden legs for her debut at his show as a runway model. Currently, she balances her speaking engagements with acting roles in films ("Quid Pro Quo," "Marvelous, " "September").

"Poetry matters. Poetry is what elevates a banal and neglected object to a form of art. It can transform the thing that may make some people fearful to something they can look and look a little longer and maybe understand."

Aimee's lesson is positive body image. She could have been a shrinking violet hiding behind prosthetic legs, but she stands tall, adjusting her height from 5'8" to 6'1" at whim to commend attention. She is not afraid of her disability. She embraces it, and uses it to the best of her advantage.

"I want to do projects that challenge people's ideas of beauty and the myth that disabled people are less capable, less interesting. I want to expose people to disability as something that they can't pity or fear or closet, but something that they accept and maybe want to emulate. To me, beauty is when people radiate that they like themselves."

Words to live by, by an inspiration.

Credits: CaptainU, Curtis Eberhardt, David Skankbone, i-D, Dazed and Confused

New York Fashion Week Contest

2010-02-04T05:54:00.011-05:00

Contest deadline has been extended until Feb 17, noon EST!

There will be MULTIPLE winners

I have been getting items for the bag and will continue to throughout the week.

Good luck!

Did you ever want to have an insider's view on Fashion Week?

Tell me who your girlcrush is at the moment with a short explanation why (be creative!)-- entries from all over the world welcome (but, please, in English) -- and you can even nominate yourself. I am always looking for suggestions of cool girls to profile, they do not have to be famous, just interesting.

The best entry will win items straight from New York Fashion Week: invitations, press kits, magazines, beauty and haircare products, etc. Most of these items are only available to show attendees, so you will be one of the few.

Be sure to check out my fashion week-inspired girlcrushes Feb 11-18. www.girlcrushoftheday.blogspot.com

GOOD LUCK!

RULES: Please send your entry via email to girlcrushoftheday@gmail.com with the subject "Contest" (so it won't get lost). Please include your email. Or you can also twitter me via private message your entry. You may enter more than once. I will consider each suggestion a separate entry, as long as there is a short explanation attached to each. Entries due 12:01 am February 15. The winner/s will be at my discretion. Any entries received will be a property of girlcrushoftheday, and may be published. This contest is open to anyone in the world. Please be 13 or older, or have permission from your parents. I will announce the winner by February 19.

Anna Laub

2010-02-02T16:49:00.012-05:00

Girls with glasses have it bad. While male nerds were rebranded as tech billionaires, Girls + glasses = NERD, unshakeable, damanged reputations, scarred from the recesses of middle school.

"Everyone is looking for ways to differentiate themselves at the moment. As you wear glasses on your face, it's the first thing people see, so you want them to look exciting, don't you?"

So it takes someone with major fashion cred to make girls with glasses cool. Anna Laub is one of those girls: poised, naturally casual-chic, perfectly-symmetrical features, and blessed with long, glossy hair. She epitomizes style as a fashion journalist for New York Times' T blog and the Europe Editor of trend forecaster WGSN. So when, out of a spur-of-moment whim, she decided to replace her beat-up 8 year old glasses with something she created on her own, who else but the fashion elite stand in line, eager for the debut?

"My ultimate glasses-wearers are people like Johnny Depp and Yves Saint Laurent, whose glasses really add to their look rather than detract from it, as well as actresses like Sixties icon Jean Seberg or Charlotte Gainsbourg - and also Kelis who really wears them in a contemporary style."

"I was coming from a fashion angle rather than an optical angle and I wanted them to be like a fashion accessory, from the way you buy them to the way you enjoy them and wear them."

French Vogue's go-to blogger was one of the first fans for Anna's Prism unisex eyeglasses. "Allô ? Sexy secretary ? Oui ! C’est moi ! … I love ‘em!" Garance Dore exclaimed. Hip hop star Kanye West, art director Julia Restoin Roitfeld (daugher of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld) wear theirs for photo ops. Insider favorites Polish music director Kinga Burza, i-D magazine fashion director Erika Kurihara, architect Rafael de Cardenas all lined up to model her line. Only the top fashion stores carry them: Colette, Browns, Dover Street Market, Opening Ceremony, Barneys, and net-a-porter.com. Glasses have had their fashion breakthrough, thanks to Anna Laub.

“I am obsessive about the combination of the functional and the aesthetic.”

Prism eyeglasses are artisian glasses made of hand-cut Italian acetate from an archive dating to 1849. As a trend forecaster, Anna traveled the world for fashion inspiration. From Mexico City's Bauhaus architecture to Tel Aviv flea markets to American 50s vintage frames, each pair embodies a slightly retro, yet classic style. Each pair is named after a different city: Rio "sexy and cury," New York "classically cool,"Rome "classic with a Mod-style twist," Paris "coquettish," and London "cool but a bit more edgy."

"These glasses are not supposed to take over your look but to add to it, and encourage whatever style or individuality you have already - it was really about taking people that had a great style story already and show how the glasses add to that."

Anna's je ne sais quoi took a dowdy concept and made it cool with all the tastemakers. A girl who can do that and still radiate such a genuine smile: tres irrésistible!

About Prism

Credits: Wendy Bevan, Prism blog, David Dunan, Garance Dore, Prism, Wonderland, O Magazine, Vogue UK, Ami Sioux for i-D, John Francis Peters for Fader, Elle

Katrina Markoff

2010-02-01T17:39:00.004-05:00

"I was a vanilla girl forever ... [until] I realized the power of chocolate."

I harbor a secret dream of running away to Paris, attending Le Cordon Bleu, and becoming a chocolatier.

That is exactly why I admire Katrina Markoff. She does things her way, and is celebrated for it. After college, most of us uncomfortably shift into a corporate job. Not Katrina. After graduating from Vanderbilt, she hopped onto a plane to Paris, spending her days training as a pâtisserie chef, and nights exploring Michelin-rated restaurants. It was at 3 star restaurant L’Ambrosie in Le Place des Vosges that she had an epiphany. "[A]t the end of the meal, Chef Pacaud brought out these very particular beignet bonbons on toothpicks. He had frozen ganache truffles, dipped them in beignet batter and deep-fried them to curvaceous golden perfections. One bite and the experience began – a sweet crunchy l’attack en bouche followed by a burst of molten liquid chocolate, time stood still as it was nothing less than life-altering for me. That was my first chocolate moment and it’s why I decided to name my company Vosges Haut-Chocolat."

"It's about telling a story of a different culture, artist, movement or religion through the medium of chocolate."

"We use chocolate as a tool to get people to slow down and be present and, when they are, any experience is amplified."

She then spent nine months traveling through Southeast Asia and Australia on a street food journey. Inspiration from her first truffle came from a necklace from the Nagaland tribes, an ethnic minority group in India. Vosges' concept was born.

"Chocolate is an incredibly versatile ingredient that comes in many shades, textures, states of matter and forms. I find it a perfect medium for story-telling. Of course, the product has to be delicious and the packaging beautiful, but there’s intention in everything I create from the spice to the story. For me, the objective is to give people an experience that opens their mind to new ideas. I always want to touch on an element of surprise and leave them to ponder."

“I like the idea of yin and yang.”

Katrina is a natural storyteller, but what makes her chocolate stories compelling are the unexpected elements taken from all around the world: Tuscan fennel pollen, Japanese wasabi, Mexican ancho chili. Who knew applewood smoked bacon would taste so sinful with chocolate? Inspiration comes from everywhere. For "Chocolate and the Nose," a box filled with vials of different aromas, to be mixed with chocolate bars from 15 countries, former Gucci fashion designer Tom Ford was her inspiration. For Vosges' new "Sweet Coquette" Valentine's offering, it was Bonnie Raitt's song, "The Road's My Middle Name." “If I get into yoga, I’ll do a yoga chocolate collection. If I get into tarot cards, I’ll do a tarot collection. If I get into fermentation, I’ll do a whole study on fermentation.” Katrinia's open mind and thirst for knowledge drives her and her chocolates in unexpected directions. “I’m always trying to stay out of my box.”

"I came from my heart and made it about the things that are important to me and that’s what resonates. Be genuine and true to yourself at all costs because people are attracted to passion, and passion speaks louder than anything.”

"My mother always told me there are no limits. I think that’s a good rule for life and business."

Within three years, Vosges had $3 million in annual sales. From a small outpost in Chicago, it now has an international presence in London and Toronto. Katrina Markoff has been named "Food Artisan of the Year" by Bon Appetit magazine (2004) and "Woman of the Year" by American Express and Entrepreneur magazine (2007). Not only is she an innovator, she is an inspiration. As a company, Vosges uses 100 percent renewable energies. It also sponsors many chariatable activities, including V-Day (to end violence against women) and Little Kids Rock (to bring musicial instruments for children).

"Where the heart leads you, the money and success will follow."

Find out about Vosges Haut-Chocolat Here

Katrina speaks at TASTE³ about her inspirations.

"[Katrina] has a natural beauty and warmth that seem to captivate everyone she meets, from journalists to celebrities to the young, hip staffers." - Vanderbilt Magazine

Zoë Kravitz

2010-01-31T17:03:00.012-05:00

"Born to Rule," the slogan for Vera Wang Princess perfume, fits its spokesmodel Zoë Kravitz perfectly. She is one of those girls so beautiful that not even pixie boy hair and funny glasses will detract from her beauty. She has the sultriness and delicate features of her parents, 80s/90s Cosby star Lisa Bonet and rocker Lenny Kravitz. But looks were not their only gift: with acting chops director Joel Schumacher praises, and a voice that silences her critics, Zoë is poised to hit it big on her own.

Zoë's charm, however, lies in her down-to-earth, nice girl attitude. For the first eleven years of her childhood, she lived with her mother, out of the glare of the spotlight. It was only when "Fly Away" became a big hit that she realized her father was a star.

"My parents did a great job at keeping me down-to-earth and that's what I cherish about my childhood. They taught me to not judge, but love."

She is a hippie at heart, mixing rocker influences with boho headbands and maxidresses. Sometimes she is a bit more elegant, with fitted cocktail dresses, but she wears everything with the same laid back ease. Editors love her ireverent style. PR girls seat her in the front row of fashion shows. She is not afraid to experiment, styling her hair in ringlets one day, chopping it off another day.

"I’m kind of a vintage-y girl. I kind of just like what I like. I shop at flea markets."

"I don't like spending thousands on a T-shirt and I'm not really good with designer names."

While her style is relaxed, her work ethic is not. Not content with riding the waves of genetic blessings, Zoë aspires to be successful on her own merit.

"I think I should try harder.... I have a lot of connections. I want to deliver and have the respect as any other actress in the world."

With a new Vanity Fair article touting her as a star on the rise, and four films (Yelling to the Sky, Twelve, Beware the Gonzo, It's Kind of a Funny Story) coming out in 2010, Zoë is one to watch.

Interview on Nylon TV

Hannah Holman

2010-01-30T19:10:00.010-05:00

Alexander Wang has an eye for models. The CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award winning wunderkind is always surrounded by the hottest, edgiest girls. (Trust me, I've seen him.) You'd expect nothing less than the freshest girl in his first ad campaign.

Welcome 18 year old Hannah Holman. Plucked from Utah obscurity (town of 155) from the local shopping mall, the pouty blonde was signed to Elite in 2008. She was the go-to girl for all American style, starring in American Eagle and Urban Outfitters campaigns.

A year passes, and right when it seemed like her career had stalled, Miuccia Prada points her fairy godmother wand--and despite being quite diminutive (rumor is, under 5'8")--and re-debuts Hannah in high fashion, having her close the Prada resort show. For fall 2009, Hannah opened the Miu Miu show and starred in the ad campaign.

"Hannah Holman is a model reminiscent of a young Emma Balfour—ultimately charming, feverishly cool, and wise beyond her years."
- Anita Bitton, casting and creative director of Establishment

Now every fashion house wants Hannah. She's graced the runways for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Fendi. For spring 2010, she is starring in Burberry Blue, Jill Stuart, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Alexander Wang ad campaigns.

When asked, this “unflappable, kind-hearted blonde" who plays the violin and loves to bake offers this advice for success. She quotes Bertrand Russell: “The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and land, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real estate, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love, and faith.”

Credits (both photos): Amy Troost, Marc Pilaro, Elite Model Management, Alexander Wang, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Imaxtree, Miu Miu, Oyster, Vogue Russia, Jill Stuart, Burberry, Urban Outfitters, Tush

H.R.H. Princess Letizia of Asturias

2010-01-29T19:26:00.011-05:00

"Más que un icono de moda es un icono de mujer, pues aporta su identidad a los trajes que lleva."
"More than a fashion icon, she is an icon to woman because she provides an identity to the clothes she wears."
-- Spanish designer Fernando Lemoniez

"Letizia: representa la sofisticación, la elegancia y la sobriedad, y su punto fuerte es la feminidad"
"Letizia: represents the sophistication, elegance and sobriety, her strength is her femininity."
-- Spanish designer Ana Locking

It is not easy to outshine former model and current First Lady of France Carla Bruni. But that is exactly what H.R.H. Princess Letizia of Asturias did during President Sarkozy's April 27, 2009 State Visit to Spain. A form-fitting purple shift dress by Spanish designer Felipe Varela firmly solidified Letizia's position as "style Queen." With a penchant for slim cut knee length dresses, classic pant suits and peep toe or platform heels, Vanity Fair named her number 2 on their renowned Best Dressed list for 2009.

"[Letizia] has done more for Spanish fashion in the past five years than decades of catwalks and advertisements."
-- Journalist Maria Jose Iglesias

"The best ambassador of Spanish fashion."
-- Elle

While Letizia gains raves from the international press for her impeccable style, she is beloved in Spain for her grace and spirit. Born a commoner with humble beginnings, she is a self-made woman. In 2000, the former journalist was awarded best journalist under 30 from the Spanish Press Association. The following year, she won the Madrid Press Association's Larra Award. She never shied from tough assignments, reporting from Ground Zero in New York after the 9/11 attacks, and from the frontlines in Iraq in 2003.

"Además de ser una mujer muy bella, cuando se la conoce en persona impresiona de ella tanto su poder de comunicación como su frescura y espontaneidad".
"Besides being a beautiful woman, knowing her personally, I am so impressed by the freshness and spontaneity in how she communicates."
-- Spanish designer Roberto Torretta

Her 2004 marriage to crowned Prince Felipe of Asturias was a celebrated affair. She was a breath of fresh air to the Spanish monarchy. Still a celebrated figure, in a poll by weekly gossip magazine DiezMinutos, she was voted "Woman of the Year 2009." Recently, a Spanish sports organization created an award in her honor, el Premio Princesa de Asturias S.A.R. Doña Letizia, recognizing an outstanding athlete younger than 18 years old. Letizia represents the optimism and elegance of Spain.

"Es una mujer moderna y fresca"
"A fresh, modern woman."
-- Custo Barcelona

Credits (both pictures): Jose Miguel Gomez/Reuters/Landov, DiezMinutos, clasos.com, Bauer-Griffin, Zuma Press, Huffington Post, Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images, Hola, Belga Picture, Jordi Labanda

Camille Miceli

2010-01-28T15:46:00.008-05:00

"Camille Miceli is one of those Parisian girls who gets it right every time with seemingly zero effort or contrivance." - Meenal Mistry, Vogue

"Camille, c’est LA fashionista par excellence." - Elle France

"Arguably one of the best-dressed women in Paris" - J.J. Martin, Harper's Bazaar

Camilie Miceli is one of THE fashion muses, along with Amanda Harlech (Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano), Isabella Blow (Alexander McQueen), and Carine Roitfeld (Tom Ford). Lured away from the head PR spot at Chanel by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton in 1997, she was Marc's confidante and best friend in Paris.

“Camille is exuberant, vivacious, and sexy. When we first met, her energy and enthusiasm won my heart. She and her family have brought me up in Paris. Personally and professionally, Camille is a big part of my life.” - Marc Jacobs

But after two years, she realized "I don't have the character for PR at all because "I have this Italian side, [which makes me] too frank. If I can't stand someone, I will tell him, 'I cannot stand you!'" So she told Marc she wanted a new role. "I told Marc I wanted to remain creatively involved in the shows but leave the rest of it behind. He said, ‘Of course, but what are we going to call you?’ And then he said, ‘I know what, we’ll call you my muse. Karl has one, Galliano has one. Why not?’” Thus, launching Camille's new career as artistic advisor for Louis Vuitton.

Nameplate necklaces and candy-colored charm bracelets aside, Camille proved her starpower when she codesigned Blason, a fine jewelry collection, with hiphop star and producing Pharrell Williams. Time and again, she made Louis Vuitton fresh and relevant to tastemakers.

In October 2009, she moved to Christian Dior as Artistic Director of costume jewelry and most leather goods. Dior President and CEO Sidney Toledano lauded Camille's influence, noting it will “accelerate development of the house’s accessories.”

Camille has no formal training in design, but her upbringing was abound with artistic influences. Her father was an art book publisher and Karl Lagerfeld was her mom's good friend. She describes herself "hippie et nature," and decorates her home with themes such as "catastrophisme.” Chaos provides inspiration for her eccentric and erratic designs. It is also how she lives: a tour de force, bursting of energy. You can just imagine her throaty laugh: full and loud. Camelle's creations are a celebration of life.

Nneka

2010-01-27T14:14:00.011-05:00

“What struck me most about Nneka’s music is that her story is so present in every song. The spirit and struggle of her roots in Africa, a sense of responsibility inherited from Fela, conflict and perspective gained living abroad in Germany. Her music is a contagious combination of genres and styles that just pulled me in right away. Artists who refuse to be confined to one genre are often considered crazy. Artists who follow their conscience are considered crazy. This is that brand of crazy." - hiphop producer J.Period

"10 Artists to Watch in 2010" - Spin

First and foremost, Nneka, is an activist. Like contemporaries such as Lauryn Hill, she uses music to deliver her message. She does not see herself as "a performer but as somebody who shares her heartfelt feelings with others" through music.

"It’s important that I do everything with my heart — that I stand on stage, that I do my music from the depth of my heart, for me to be able to transmit that message of love."

Born in Nigeria, Nneka moved to Germany at 19. She never planned to move, and life was tough. At one point she was scrubbing toilets. She describes, "When I left Nigeria for Germany, I was totally on my own without friends and family. My trip wasn’t really planned; I never wanted to step out of Nigeria. All I wanted was a better life ... I started school and started learning the German language but I was lonely and I needed something to hold onto and music was the only thing that gave me that solace and so it became my family.” She met hip-hop producer DJ Farhot, and, soon afterward, signed to independent label Yo Mama.

"I never knew [that I wanted to be a professional musician], even till today, I just love the feeling of having music, music would never betray you or hurt you, just like Bob [Marley] said, 'When it hits you, you feel no pain and there is God within it.'"

"Music gave me the opportunity to travel around the world and have experiences. Personally, music gave me even more courage and a healthy dose of self-esteem because before I left [Nigeria], I did not have any self-esteem.”

Influenced by Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Mobb Deep, Nneka developed an Afrobeat sound: soulful ballads, reggae-pop, and lively, borderline-aggressive chants. A star-in-the-making in Europe and the 2009 winner of the MOBO (South Africa's version of MTV) and Channel O Best African Act Award, she is now bringing her message to the US.

"Spurred on by poignant piano and crisp drum breaks, Nneka's voice (think a less spacey Erykah Badu) alternates between righteously bold and heartbreakingly fragile." -Spin

"Soul queen in the making.” - Blues & Soul

“Nneka” means “mother is supreme, mother is the best” in Igbo, a language spoken by a minority group living in Southern Nigeria. True to her namesake, she is both friendly and tough. Her lyrics are full of rage over injustices, but she has honed her artistic sensitivity to delivering an inspirational, positive message.

“I get inspired when I take a severe look at the things going on in our world today; especially in my country. How people live, suffer and endure pain, politics and religion, when I see all that man has evoked and created out of self-centeredness and devotion to material things."

"I know that there are many people out there who go through the same or similar problems, and this is my mission to give those people the courage, that no matter what, or whatsoever you're going through in life, as long as you want something and you believe in yourself and you believe there is a God, things can definitely change."

Her strategy is simple: influence by example. "Do not doubt yourself, as long as you do it in honesty and in truth, then it will be of an advantage to the people, it will make a positive impact on them."

"To be able to make a change in the world, you have to be part of that change. You have to be honest with yourself, because if you’re not honest with yourself, and if you’re not in touch with your spirit, then you’re not able to make any change at all."

Wise beyond her 27 years, with talent that comes straight from the heart, Nneka is going to have a breakthrough 2010.

More info: myspace, official page

"My music is very conscious, very political."

First US Single, "The Uncomfortable Truth"

Jameela Jamil

2010-01-26T14:37:00.007-05:00

"I've mastered the hand-on-hip-slightly-turned-to-the-side pose. Every picture looks the same"

In one year, Alexa Chung decamped to MTV USA, and English teacher Jameela Jamil became her successor for the UK variety talkshow "Freshly Squeezed." In many ways, both girls are similar: the same cat eyes (Jameela's accentuated with a thick stroke of liquid eyeliner); model-legginess; self-deprecating slouched posture. But Jameela stands her own. Her bombshell looks - long, glossy jet-black hair, red lipstick and hourglass figure - play a coy counter role to her retro glam 80s fashion choices. Who else could pull off a Spongebob dress or Mickey Mouse costume and not look ridiculous?

Jameela also hosts Bebo.com's "The Closet," an online fashion advice show. She is very much like her fans: excited about fashion, secure in her choices but looking for updates. She is surprised that she is making rounds on best dressed lists. She just wears what she loves: poufy 50s prom dresses to premieres and shorts with ankle boots for casual excursions. She is still learning, experimenting, and the gusto of creativity shows.

"Jameela Jamil is tall, infectiously funny, endearingly comfortable in her own skin and has a quirky, irreverent presence on screen." - Katie Mulloy, Nylon Magazine

On screen, the hostess is young, enthusiastic and a tad off-beat. She is slightly in her own world, a bit starstruck by all the big names she is interviewing. But she laughs the awkwardness off with her quick wit. Jameela is refreshingly real, despite being ridiculously gorgeous, and that puts everyone at ease.

Lisa Porter

2010-01-25T17:52:00.014-05:00

I first saw Canadian model Lisa Porter at the Chris Benz spring 2010 New York fashion week presentation. I could not forget her gigantic blue eyes framed by her auburn hair and rainbow pom-poms. She was the most surreal doll-like model in a lineup of very young girls, some looking like they were dressed for the junior prom. She had a doe-like innocence and a melancholy smile. The way she held those marabou pom-poms, hugging them around her like a protective shield made you want to reach out to her like a mother hen. I was utterly transfixed.

Marilyn Manson must have felt the same way when he cast her in his "Putting Holes In Happiness" music video. Lisa's litheness suggest an otherworldliness that easily lends itself to the innocent or its opposite. It is this combination that makes her intriguing -- and captivating.

Erin Fetherston

2010-01-24T21:33:00.008-05:00

Fashion Informer: "Do you believe in love at first sight?"
Erin Fetherston: "Yes; I'm living proof."

Her best friends are director Ellen von Unwerth and indie actress Zooey Deschanel. After three years of studying fashion at Parsons in Paris, she debuted at Paris Haute Couture in July 2005 with a fashion adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Through The Looking Glass. So statuesque and beautiful, it was reported when she appeared to take a bow, editors assumed she was a model. After charming French critics, within one year of moving to New York, she won the prestigious Ecco Domani award, was nominated for a CFDA and had a collaboration with Target. Fashion designer Erin Fetherson lives a fantasy life.

"I love little girly baby-doll dresses. They're so feminine and romantic."

"I was a total drama child. I just loved creating the scene. Pieces that you make get entwined in their own plots."

Erin Fetherston embodies the free-spirited innocence of her clothes. She looks like an angel, with her white-blonde hair and wide-eyed smiles. Her influences are grounded in childhood and fantasy, reminiscing a trip through Japan's cherry orchards (spring 2010), Christmas Nutcrackers (fall 2009), or woodland nymphs (spring 2007). Through recently she has evolved from girly doll to a more sophisticated femininity, her clothes remain whimsical and romantic.

Erin Fetherston proves that fairy tales can come true.

Birds of a Fether collection video

Erin Fetherston's Designs

Zhou Xun 周迅

2010-01-22T16:21:00.019-05:00

Quickly becoming the darling of the fashion set in China and France, actress Zhou Xun 周迅 has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue China. She is also the spokesmodel for French luxury handbag line, Lancel.

“She can be sweet, charming, natural, straight, sexy and multi-faced. All these characteristics are what Lancel women have. We believe Zhou perfectly embodies Lancel.” – Marc Lelandais, CEO, Lancel

But her biggest fan seems to be Karl Lagerfeld. The elusive designer has invited her to sit front and center at Chanel couture twice—no other Chinese actress has had the honor. Although she is a super VIP, she still acts as a fan, bringing a sold out Karl teddy bear as her date and girlishly asking him to autograph.

“We can easily communicate without speaking, and she is talented and expressive." – David Sims, fashion photographer

Supertalented—she was one of the "Four Young Dan actresses" 四小花旦 and has won numerous awards, both for acting and singing. 2000’s “Suzhou River“ 蘇州河 garnered her international acclaim when she won Best Actress at the Paris Film Festival. Instead of concentrating on global superstardom like Zhang Ziyi, she focused on honing her craft.

"I think it's the same to be an actress anywhere because the profession is about attitudes towards events -- it is a process to try to understand life. I think this is the case for actors across the world. It all comes down to how you try to be a good person, and act responsibly."

Hardwork paid off when she won six Best Actress awards in 2005, including a Golden Horse臺北金馬影展 (the Asian “Oscars”) for “Perhaps Love” 如果, 愛. She won two Best Supporting Actress awards for following film, The Banquet 夜宴. Her song was also nominated for a Golden Horse Award, marking her place as a legitimate singer. In 2009 Forbes ranked her number 9 in the Top 100 Chinese celebrity list, and CineAsia named her “Star of the Year.”

Zhou Xun has that rare combination of talent and grace. Perhaps China’s worst kept secret: it is only a matter of time when she captures everyone’s hearts.

Alessandra Colombo

2010-01-22T13:43:00.020-05:00

"androgynous with super feminine touches"

Italian girls typically exude va va voom sexiness, all curves, wild tousled hair and clothes that demand attention. But Milanese fashion designer Alessandra Colombo is different. Loulou de la Falaise and the Gainsbourg-Birkins are her icons. With her short hair, mischievous smilea and Audrey Hepburn gamine looks, she plays the role of garcon with aplomb. Thank you, the Sartorialist, for introducing this style star.

Emilie Simon

2010-01-20T18:39:00.021-05:00

My love affair began with a song, "Desert." A hypnotic, eerie voice to match the large, innocent melancholy eyes. How can you not adore the girl who provided the lovelorn sound track to March of the Penguins (though unreleased in the US)? And recently released an English album that sounds like a younger Kate Bush, but still retains her Alice in Wonderland experimental style? Completely wise-beyond-her-years, and absolutely adorable.

Phoebe Philo

2010-01-19T17:52:00.021-05:00

Celine spring 2010: "I wanted to clean it up, refocus, and present a strong, powerful woman."

Phoebe Philo knows exactly what you want. She did it for Chloé, bringing you stacked wooden heels, wide-legged jeans, and the infamous Paddington handbag.

"Established Chloé as a stylish baseline, the Chanel of her generation” - Cathy Horyn, New York Times

Now she is back, bringing faded French label Céline from the trenches with THAT sleeveless trench dress.

“Phoebe Philo always had an uncanny gift for defining exactly what cool women want to wear.” - Vicki Woods, Vogue

"She has absolute precision in terms of being able to seize the fashion moment. She knows exactly what women are going to want tomorrow." – Claudine Barnabé, owner of Parisian boutique Espionne

Phoebe Philo is that cool girl, always one step ahead. Rather than elusive, she is mysterious. But she is not a snob. She is charmed by the copycat designers. She designs, instinctually, for everygirl. And she gets it right: sportswear meant to be worn: comfortable, classic and chic. Clothes that are meant to be reinterpreted and represented by the wearer.

"I'm not interested in clothes that just convey a certain look, or fashion. Clothes for me have always been a form of self-expression."

An effortless “It Girl” crowned many times over.

Carey Mulligan

2010-01-19T17:02:00.023-05:00

Some girls are under the radar, even despite a Golden Globe nomination and a feature in Vogue. You would probably never notice British actress Carey Mulligan if you passed her on the street. Demure and quirky-cute, it takes a prolonged glance to be won over by her.

“Gamine innocence of Audrey Hepburn with the warmth, intelligence and mischief of the young Judi Dench” – Chris Tookey

Of course an indie film would prove to be her breakthrough role. Although you sometimes grimaced at her character’s naiveté in “An Education,” it was impossible not to be transfixed by her giggly precociousness. Here was a girl learning about the real world for the first time, and the risks she took ultimately made her stronger.

“Natural born talent” – Oliver Stone

This is a girl who can, with the twitch of an eye or the faint upturn of her lips, hint upon how she feels. Carey’s veiled mysteriousness is what keeps us guessing: an enigma who does not reveal (all) of her secrets.

Carine Roitfeld

2010-01-18T21:41:00.019-05:00

"Fashion is not about clothes, it is about a look."

Tom Ford's original Gucci girl. Now THE French Vogue editor.
Carine Roitfeld defines sexy Parisian chic: sooted eyeliner, pin-straight hair, body-conscious black-dominated clothes, and sky high heels.

"When you get older, you have to stay a bit rock 'n' roll so that young people will still be interested in you. The way you move, the way you talk, maybe the way you have your hair in your face a little bit — this keeps you interesting."

Carine looks tough and she is isn't afraid to speak her mind (even in an un-PC way), but she is refreshingly down-to-earth. She laughs with abandon, and is humbly self-deprecating, even voicing her confusion over why people are interested in her personal style.

She stays true to what she loves, and I love her for that.