Donna Karan Refutes Rumors of Retirement
American designer Donna Karan, creator of Donna Karan New York and DKNY, has denied rumors that she is departing the label she started 25 years ago. The designer refuted the rumors on American television program CBS This Morning. The rumors began during New York Fashion week when the 65 year old was very emotional after her show, leading to a New York Post claiming that it was the swan-song of her DKNY catwalk events.

Roberto Cavalli Takes Aim at Michael Kors
Italian designer Roberto Cavalli has accused American designer Michael Kors of plagiarizing his designs. The designer said he was infuriated that the fashion industry had not held the designer accountable for what he labels as a ‘scandal’. The fresh accusation is the second time Roberto Cavalli has confronted Michale Kors — in a interview with Style.com in December the previous year Cavalli said “Michael Kors [is] one of the biggest copy designers in the world.” During the same interview Cavalli raised the ire of some American fashion bloggers by criticizing American style in general.

Gap Inc. Wage Rise
American apparel group Gap Inc, owner of brands Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap alongside an array of other stores, has in a surprising move informed its employees that it would set its minimum wage at $9 this year and then raise this to $10 the next year. Gap said this move would ultimately result in a pay rise for 65,000 of its 90,000 American employees. Gap’s chief executive Glenn K Murphy issued a statement in which he said the raise would positively and directly impact the business and that he saw the investment in personal as one expected to bring returns to the company many times over.

In a press conference held earlier today in Beijing, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially introduced the Spring 2015 exhibition called, China: Through the Looking Glass. The exhibition will delve into the deep, and enduring influence that Chinese art and film has on Western fashion. The press briefing was held in the Forbidden City, and featured a display of some of the images and items that would be included in the exhibit this spring. Some of the items presented were a 2004 Yves Saint Laurent gown designed by Tom Ford, a 1984 Chanel beaded gown by Karl Lagerfeld, and a 2005 Roberto Cavalli creation that featured a print inspired by Chinese porcelain vases.

Design by Tom Ford for YSL, 2004

The exhibit will be shown at the Met’s Chinese Galleries, and the Anna Wintour Costume Center from May 7th to August 16th. Over 130 haute couture and ready-to-wear designs will be showcased, along with traditional Chinese artifacts made of jade, cloisonné, lacquer, and porcelain. A series of Chinese imagery will also be presented, tracing the evolution of Chinese art, fashion, and culture from Imperial China to the present People’s Republic of China.

Andrew Bolton, Curator of Anna Wintour Costume Center featured with a 2005 Roberto Cavalli design

The esteemed guests who attended the press briefing include Met Director, Thomas Campbell; Palace Museum Director, Shan Jixiang; U.S. Ambassador to China, Max Baucus, and Condé Nast Artistic Director, Anna Wintour. Maxwell K. Hearn, and Douglas Dillon of the Met’s Department of Asian Art also attended the briefing.

From left: Chen Zhang, Silas Chou, Wendi Murdoch, Emily Rafferty, Thomas P. Campbell,
Anna Wintour, Max Baucus, Andrew Bolton, and Maxwell K. Hearn

Internationally-acclaimed filmmaker, Wong Kar Wai, was also in attendance to discuss the role of film in the exhibition. As the exhibition’s artistic director, Wong Kar Wai highlighted the impact of Chinese films on western fashion by showing a montage of film clips. The montage will become part of the exhibit this spring.

Renowned filmmaker, Wong Kar Wai speaking at the press conference

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the Costume Institute will hold its annual benefit on May 4, 2015. An array of prominent personalities, like Jennifer Lawrence, Gong Li, and Silas Chou will attend the benefit.

Credit: the Metropolitan Museum of Art

World-renowned shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, is the latest to make use of the widespread publicity generated by social media as part of its marketing strategy. With almost 8 million followers across several social media platforms, Louboutin is certainly on the right track. On January 6th, Louboutin launched an online gallery called #LouboutinWorld. The brand invites its massive fanbase’s participation by encouraging them to post images of their Louboutins with the tag #LouboutinWorld to social media. The images may then be displayed on the brand’s official website.

Image from Instagram

In an interview with WWD, Louboutin said “It is sometimes the simplest, least elaborate images, which get the most excitement from people, and they showcase the architectural side of my high heels.”

For this project, the brand sought the services of new digital startup, Olapic. Olapic collects images and videos from social media platforms, and makes them available to its clients for use in sales or advertising. Its growing list of clients include ASOS, Lancôme, Alex and Ani, Sears and Walmart. For Louboutin, Olapic sorts through images and videos posted with the hashtag #LouboutinWorld, and organizes them for display on the brand’s website. Although it is strictly an online gallery at present, Louboutin eventually plans to make #LouboutinWorld shoppable in the future.

Credit: WWD

The much anticipated Victoria’s Secret Swim 2015 collection is here. The collection’s catalogue was shot in Hawaii by renowned photographer, Greg Kadel, and was released on January 2, 2015. The catalogue’s cover features Victoria’s Secret Angel, Behati Prinsloo wearing the Very Sexy One Shoulder Triangle Top and the Double Strap Cheeky Bottom. Prinsloo has appeared in various print and television ads for the brand and has walked for its annual fashion show since 2007.

The collection features the most stylish and on-trend swimwear for 2015 in Boho, Sporty, and Sexy styles. The Sporty, surf-inspired suits use fabrics like mesh and neoprene, while keeping it sexy with strappy details, cutouts, and low-cut bottoms. The Boho style suits include fringe, macrame, and ruffle details as well as vintage-inspired and animal prints. The Sexy styles include one-piece suits with plunging necklines and draped back details, and monokinis with fringe. Sexier still are the two-piece suits with tiny bottoms and strappy tops.

Images from Victoria’s Secret

The Swim 2015 collection will be sold online and in select Victoria’s Secret stores beginning January 13. The collection will also be available on the Victoria’s Secret apps for iOS. Fans can check out the collection on the Victoria’s Secret website as well as in this sultry video featuring supermodels Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, Lais Ribeiro, Andreea Diaconu, and Nadine Leopold.

Credits: Victoria’s Secret

H&M Sport unveiled its Spring 2015 collection featuring stylish and functional sports gear for men, women, and children.

“Athleticism, strength, and performance are the main inspirations for H&M Sport this spring, with pieces that work for the body no matter the level of skill. Functionality and technical details not only add an advantage, they also look great too,” explains Jonas Blom, men’s designer for H&M Sport.

For H&M Sport, spring is the best season for athleticism. The brand considers both function and style in their designs, using technical fabrics and practical details to help with performance in any sport or fitness regime.

H&M Sport women’s designer, Petra Smeds, says “Spring is about fresh possibilities at H&M Sport, whether you are mastering your favourite sport or trying something new. Layering is important for the best performance, whether it’s in the gym or out in the wilds.”

H&M Sport’s new line offers specialized running, gym, and outdoor gear for both men and women. For women’s running, the brand offers seamless tops and tights designed for comfort and movement. They also offer technical zip-ups with reflective trims and a small running rucksack. For men’s running, windproof jackets and tights are available as protection against the elements. Technical tops and shorts, as well as windproof vests can be used in warmer weather.

Men’s gym gear include technical t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, tights, and shorts. For women, vividly-colored sports bras with mesh backs can be worn with leggings in block colors or bright prints. A raglan sleeve jacket with mesh detailing is also offered.

Layering is especially important for outdoor sports. H&M Sport offers functional layers for every situation in their women’s outdoor line. Base layers include sports bras and vests, which may be augmented with warmer middle layers. For outer layers, fleece is combined with mesh to provide warmth while retaining breathability.

For men’s outdoor gear, a quick-drying base layer is available to keep moisture away from the body. For warmth, wind and waterproof jackets that combine various textures of fleece may be used.

H&M Sport also offers similar athletic gear for children to complete their newly expanded sports range. The collection is available online and in selected H&M stores worldwide.

Credits: H&M

Fashion-cult favorite and French ready-to-wear brand, Céline, set the industry abuzz earlier this week when it revealed Joan Didion as the face of their spring 2015 ad campaign. Shot by Juergen Teller, Didion is pictured with a perfectly coiffed grey bob and Céline’s signature oversized sunglasses. She wears a simple dress with only a gold pendant for an accessory. Needless to say, the outfit is all black and stays true to Céline’s bare essentials aesthetic. At 80-years-old, this campaign is a testament to Didion’s perennial elegance and cool-girl charm.

Photo by Juergen Teller, Courtesy of Céline

Céline’s appeal comes from the brand’s no fuss, effortlessly chic clothing. The brand has a long history of catering to the minimalist, chic, and on-the-go, and is favorited by everyone from the Kardashian clan to Anna Wintour. The brand has such a dedicated following that committed clientele often refer to themselves as “Philophiles”, after the brand’s Creative Director Phoebe Philo.

Didion’s own elegance and minimalist style make her the perfect embodiment of the Céline woman. Considered American literary royalty, Didion authored Slouching Towards Bethlehem and is highly regarded for her hand in voicing the social anxieties and sentiments of the 70s— which is fitting as the inspiration for Céline’s spring collection draws from the same era. Didion also spent time at Vogue as the associate feature editor and was the subject of a now-iconic portrait series shot by Julian Wasser for Time magazine.

If you had any doubts about Céline’s “cool-girl” image, Didion’s status as both a literary and sartorial icon— and now, as the brand’s latest muse— will certainly put them to rest.

2015 is finally here and with a new year comes new ways to change your style, so here are the top 10 ways to change your style whether you’re male or female.

1. Try a Turtle neck

Thanks to Nicolas Ghesquiere’s trend setting obsession with the 1970’s, turtle necks are back in trend. They’re especially great for those days that are a little colder as they can be layered easily or worn on its own. A great piece to have in your wardrobe for both male and female.

2. Save for that special item

Saving for a fashionable piece can transform your style this year, whether its that Chanel bag you’ve been longing for or that Armani suit you saw on George Clooney. You can make your fashion dream a reality by bringing lunch to work, skip the monthly manicure or even make money selling unwanted items.

3. Liven up your wardrobe

Why not enter 2015 with a bold statement, leave the black at home and liven up your look with a notice-me colour. If wearing bright colour isn’t for you why don’t you start with something small such as carrying a bright coloured bag, belt or scarf.

4. Reinvent your denim on denim

Denim on Denim isn’t a new trend but you can totally make it new buy adding accessories such as gold jewellery or coloured shoes. Denim on Denim is also very popular amongst the gents too, a great way males can make this trend look new is by wearing different shades of denim to make to show individuality.

5. Play with texture

Whether its a fur coat or a fringed jacket, bringing texture into your wardrobe is a good way to change up your style for 2015 and will be interesting for your outfit. Fur and fringing can be worn on both men and women at any time of the year.

In collaboration with Mess Magazine

Calvin Klein has just unveiled their newest campaign, and it has already become a trending topic on the web. Why? Justin Bieber.

The 20 year-old recording superstar and internet sensation is the new face of Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear. Bieber stars with Dutch supermodel Lara Stone in the global, multi-media advertising campaign for the brand’s Spring 2015 jeans and underwear collections.

The racy campaign images shot by the famous Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott have already gone viral— with one image of Justin Bieber in Calvin Klein underwear gaining over 1 million likes in just a few hours. Another image, showing the barely-dressed Bieber and Stone in an embrace, also elicited some strong reactions from fans.

The controversial singer is the latest in a long list of musicians who have represented the brand over the years. In fact, the latest campaign is strongly reminiscent of the 1992 Calvin Klein campaign starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss. Calvin Klein’s legacy of combining music and fashion has resulted in collaborations with other artists like Usher, Kanye West, and Fergie.

“Justin joins a long list of musicians, models, celebrities, and fashion icons that have been featured in our global advertising campaigns,” explains Chief Marketing Officer, Melisa Goldie. “Justin’s global recognition, expressed affinity for the brand, and powerful persona bring a compelling energy to our jeans and underwear brands.”

The campaign was announced on January 6th via social media, but it is set to be released worldwide in digitally and in print coinciding with the March 2015 magazine issues. The campaign will make full use of digital media and will encourage fan feedback using the hashtag #mycalvins. In February, a special #mycalvins social media campaign will be launched, inviting fans to participate by posting their own Calvin Klein selfies. To round off this comprehensive campaign, the internationally renowned brand also posted a video featuring ad’s stars, Bieber and Stone, showcasing the latest styles of Calvin Klein jeans and underwear.

Credits: Calvin Klein, Inc.

Two years ago, Henry Kang was faced with the age-old question, “What can I wear with this?” With his PhD in Robotics and Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University, he turned to what he knows best- computers. He established Peekabuy, Inc. and developed an iPhone app called Style It. Style It allows users to take photos of items from their closets and receive styling suggestions based on that item.

This month Peekabuy, Inc. also announced that it has developed a way for users to put together the suggested looks by allowing users to shop for the items directly through the Style It app.

“All of us at Style It enjoy helping style mavens find amazing outfits from their favorite items and wanted to bring our customers a way to shop within the app,” explained Henry Kang. “We’re excited to launch shopability with this upgrade and offer our fans something truly unique: the ability to buy awesome pieces suggested through a combination of machine learning and the power of community.”

Style It developer, Peekabuy, Inc., is composed of an elite team of individuals with over 30 years of machine learning combined. Their previous experiences include working for companies like Google, Microsoft Research, Opera Mobile and Conviva. Their combined expertise has given us the ability to shop from 450 stores with a simple tap on our screens.

Style It has built a selection of over 1 million items from fast fashion stores like Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Forever 21. Users can also shop for great deals from top designers like Michael Kors, BCBGMAXAZRIA, and Kate Spade.

Style It also has a social component. Users can upload their favorite outfits to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and WhatsApp. They can also follow other users’ posts to get inspiration for their own wardrobes. Fashionistas all over the world can now watch trends, share styling tips, and go shopping all with one iPhone app.

Credits: Style It

Faux fur has been a major trend of 2014, and here Polyvore users put the spotlight on fuzzy garments in all manner of color and cut.

Mammoth-sized warmth
Equipment blouse, Gyunel pants, Free People vest (on model), Unreal Fur vest, Alexandra de Curtis bag, Stella McCartney shoes, House of Harlow 1960 necklace

Pastel pullover
Long-sleeve shift dress, V-neck coat, boots and packpack via blackfive.com, Fogal tights, panties via vancl.com

Sumptuously soft
Dress via Dressystar on amazon.co.uk, coat via rosewe.com, Yves Saint Laurent pumps, ROMYGOLD bandbag, Oscar de la Renta necklace, Astley Clarke earrings

Grey day
T-shirt, coat and bag via sheinside.com, skirt and pumps via yoins.com

Shaggy chic
H&M sweater, Diesel vest, Paige Denim jeans, Coye Nokes booties, Alexander Wang tote, Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace

Cozy cocoon
Elizabeth and James coat, Acne Studios leggings, Balenciaga booties, Alexander McQueen backpack, Hoorsenbuhs ring

Mammal and reptile
Vest via newlook.com, Base Range top, Hudson leggings, booties via lollicouture.com, Proenza Schouler clutch, Vince Camuto necklace