Ciao Madonna, Bonjour Lara!

Madonna is no longer the face of Louis Vuitton, but now she is the face of Dolce and Gabbana, and Lara Stone replaced her as the new face of the french house Spring/Summer 2010. And pay attention to the footwear...Chanel made them as well and I am sure it will filter into every major retailer and the style will become and new hit. Picture Louis Vuitton. Source: Nitrolicious

Count on Natasha!

Another Italian fashion house, Gucci, and a preview of their Spring/Summer 2010 campaign starring model Natasha Poly/

Italiano!

It wasn't only the movie "Nine" who got inspiration in the Italian "Cinema" but the Italian boys from Dolce and Gabbana as well. And for their Spring/Summer 2010 campaign they hired Madonna as their cover girl. The images are very different from previous campaigns and the result is phenomenal. Photos by Steven Klein/Source Vanity Fair Italia.

More sex...

Sex and City 2 is due to be release in the Summer of 2010. No doubt it is a lot of fun watching the girls play their roles in "fanstasy land," as most of us dream on being part of it. But honestly, what more can be said about Carrie and her 3 best friends that we don't already know?

A single man...

I went to the theater yesterday night and saw Tom Ford's film debut "A single man". As for the movie, and given the fact it was a debut, I thought it was very well done. For those who know Mr. Ford attention to the detail and visual aesthetics, it is impossible not to notice that throughout the movie. The cast, the wardrobe, photography and even the angle of the camera in some scenes are Mr. Ford all the way.Although I am not a movie critic I recommend watching it.

Gaga for Christmas!

Beyonce goes Gaga.

And I didn't like it. It felt as if Beyonce had already a video ready for the song, but she decided to add Gaga to it. Therefore they had to record together and blend it in with the original version. Beyonce's duo with Shakira was much better.

Together we stand, and fall!

They have style, they know how to dance and make millions yell their name. But, just like you and I, they are humans...and sometimes they fall!!!

Chantez avec moi "Baby baby baby!"

The new Victoria Secrets TV ad has been released, and we all know how it goes: beautiful women (aka models); sexy lingerie and a spicy soundtrack. Well, the soundtrack is what caught my attention the most this time, no offense Alessandra Ambrosio, and when I went looking for it I found a video much more interesting than the Victoria's Secret itself:

Make me...

As we sad as we all are with Michael Jackson's death, as cold as it might seem, it also purposed to put the spotlight back on his family. The brothers have a new show coming up and Janet is releasing a new album. "Make me" is the first single of the new album, and the video has amazing fashion and Janet looking better than ever.

Gaga!

I have to say when Gaga's new single, Bad Romance, was released I didn't care much for it at first. However, the video. OMFG! I give her props for pulling it off again, yet still using elements of previous videos, and creating an amazing video. Love it even more for the Spring 2010 Alexander Mcqueen dress and shoes she is wearing at the end of the video. Le must!

Stellar idea!!!

Stella McCartney kids for the Gap. I want everything to be made in adult sizes so I can buy some. Now why doesn't the Gap hire a major designer to put some kick into their clothing and bump up their image and sales? Just saying!

Another fashion movie...

The Devil Wears Prada, Valentino, Avant Coco and The September Issue will soon have another movie joining them in their category of fashion movies. GUCCI will be directed by Ridley Scott and will have Angelina Jolie playing Patrizia Reggiano, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci. Reggiano was sentenced to 29 years in prison after hiring someone to murder her husband. The production seems very promising. Lets wait and see. ( Source: Flavia Motta for oifashionrocks.com)

Oi Fashion Rocks Brazil...

On a last note about Brazil, at least for now, Rio will be hosting fashionistas from all around the globe for its first Fashion Rocks, sponsored by cell phone company Oi.
The cast of designers from Brazil include Alexandre Herchcovitch; Andre Lima; Lenny Niemeyer; Lino Villaventura; and the international cast includes Marc Jacobs;Donatella Versace; Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein and Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy.
All designers will be presenting their collections with sounds perfomed by Mariah Carey, Ja Rule, Diddy, Vanessa Camargo; Ciara; Grace Jones; Daniela Mercury and Estelle. Live transmission of the show will be available at www.oifashionrocks.com.br
Until then you can enjoy yourself with Rihanna's last year performance of Vogue in the American version of Fashion Rocks.

Lula: The movie!

Since we are on a Brazilian thread I will keep writing posts about Brazil. This one is about the current president, Luiz Inacio da Silva, mostly known as Lula. For those who do not know he was born in poverty and barely had any education growing up. However he managed to overcome all obstacles to become the country's president. And now his trajectory is portrayed in the movie: Lula, o filho do Brasil. (Lula, the son of Brazil). The flick is schedule to begin showing in Brazilian theaters in the Summer of 2010.

J'adore Fontana!

Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana is on the cover of the November issue of French Vogue. I love Fontana not only because she is from Brazil, but because of her features: the shape of her face, eye color and dark hair. And about the cover I have to give props to the art director for the font used on the cover. It reminds me a bit of Stephen Sprouse writings on the Vuitton bags.

Affirmative action?

When it seemed as if the issue in regards to color discrimination was finally coming to better terms in the fashion industry this happens: Lara Stone, who is dutch, was shot for The Supermodel Edition of French Vogue, and styled by Carine Roitfeld and painted black. Yes, I will say it again: painted black. Everyone is talking about it, given the fact that the issue only included Caucasian models. Even Asians got excluded. Is this all necessary to sell issues of a magazine these days?

Meet me Halfway.

That's the tittle of the latest single released by the Black Eye Peas, from their last album The E.N.D. Fergie looks really pretty without much make up on, and a simple nude color gown.

Have a laugh with Lashisse.

Lashisse from Molly Sims

Book it.

Nars is celebrating 15 years and its releasing a book full of amazing pictures; such as the one of Marc Jacobs. Another very exciting release is MaRIO DE JANEIRO Testino, whose tittle explains it all. Beatiful city + beautiful people + extraordinare photographer. Sounds like the perfect formula for a book and its already on my wish list.

The art of Capoeira.

Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, has a movie coming out soon. And it seems to be a very good production worth watching. Lots of fighting and historical backgrounds on how African descents brought to Brazil as slaves influenced this martial art.

Afrodisiac!

I find it very smart how some companies are easily adopting new medias such as: You Tube, Facebook and Twitter to market their brands. Marc Jacobs has not only made the show for his signature label available, but his collection for Louis Vuitton can also be watched on you tube, and the brand's Facebook page. And the collection was full of energy and youth, and I feel like the Asian market is going to be an early adopter of everything. Specially those tiny pocket bags adorned with the rabbits tails and tassels, worn with short shorts. And what about the big afros with the cute bowls?. Its city, but in a good way. Kind funny to observe Grace Coddington glimpsing through all the movement in the room as the fashionistas look for their seats in the dark.

Coco goes to the farm...

For its Spring/Summer 2010 Karl Lagerfeld took his Chanel it-girls for a walk on the barn. The whole extravaganza also included an "almost" threesome and a live performance by Lilly Allen. Here's a preview; and I am sorry for the late post...i just have been a little under the weather.

The sisterhood of the hooded girls!

Nicolas Ghesquière simply shutting it down once I again for his Balenciaga Printemps/Ete 2010 Collection. The colors, use of fabrics, and how everything is layered together resulting into fashion instant desire. Get it girl!

And now looking forward...

Here's a preview of what Christophe Decarnin's future holds for us. Short/Sexy/Daring. Everything any it girl can ask of a summer collection. And who better to open the show than Daria? I'm also really excited for the Homme Collection.

Know where you came from...

In order to move forward you must look back. And since I didn't post Balmain's Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 when it was presented last summer, here's the video for it just so we can refresh our memories and be able to understand better his Printemps/Ete Collection. Amazing casting + amazing designs + amazing soundtrack = (watch it below):

Balmain Collection Femme Automne-Hiver 2009/2010
by BalmainOfficial

Gucci forward!

Scuba is the word all major editors are using to describe a few of the major collections who themes are related to the beach. And since Frida Giannini ignited that with the Men's Spring for 2010, it would be a logical path to follow that direction to her women's collection. The girls looked amazing, the dresses were short, with cutouts,metals and embellishments. Every Gucci girl is gonna love. Here's a preview:

Donatella in wonderland!

Versace's Spring 2010 was simply wonderful. I have always been a huge fan of Gianni and Donatella, and I believe this collection will put the house back on the spotlight. Everything was Versace, still it was new and relevant to the current trends and all the it girls will have it. Extra credits for the plastic dresses with beads and studs on it. And thanks Style.com for the video. By the way, the Prada video has been updated for a better one with more details about the collection. Please enjoy!

Their lipgloss is popping...

And the only black girl of the show, Lindsay Scott, looks a little bit like Jourdan Dunn. Here's a preview...

Here's why I love Burberry!

America's Greatest Designer...

At least thats the title they give Michael Kors on the tv show Project Runway, my vote would go to Ralph Lauren. But...the point here is his new Spring 2010 collection. I actually liked!

Where did you get your hair?

Chris Rock's new comedy "Good Hair" will get you laughing crazily, but also help you understand more about African American women hair.

A single man...

Tom Ford's debut movie "A single man", has been presented in the Venice Movie Festival, and had very good reviews. I cant wait for its release in America, but until then here's the trailer:

Long live Jacobs!

I could write paragraphs about how interesting and innovative Mr. Jacobs summer 2010 collection for his signature label was. But instead I'll let you watch the video and judge for yourself. But I will say I really liked that he went from very high heels to flats. And if you happen to know where I can download the soundtrack of show please let me know.

a new flower blooms...

All the media in Brazil was very anxious to see how the Alexandre Herchcovitch collection was going to turn out. I've read people saying he turned the sex appeal off and others liked it. I'd say that Rosa Cha is looking to be known for more than bikinis, and that was clear given the amount of pieces (real pieces of clothing) presented on the runway.

Anna's night out...

I'm not going to be in New York for Fashion's Night Out, but I would love to be there to see Anna Wintour at Macy's. According to Anna herself in the interview she gave Mr. Letterman, she was going to start the night there. I just feel as if she is trying too hard to be too pop...and I am not liking it. Being mysterious and inaccessible is what made her who she is today. Check out the promotional video for NY Fashion's Night Out...and see Anna trying to pull a big smile.

His wood...

Dean and Dan Caten, the twin brothers behind Dsquared, might have named their first fragrance He Wood, for him, and She Wood, for her. But for the release of their online store it was model's Jean Carlos "wood", literally, the tool used to announce it. The video is not suitable for minors...just saying!

Just like a good aged whisky...

Certain things only get better with time. And that applies to people too. At least a few of us. Last Sunday I came across two very distinct ladies that despite their age were still confident with their own selves, and taught me that there are some things in life that will only come with time. The first lady was wearing a beautiful vintage safari style khaki jacket, and given her elegance, I assumed it was an YSL jacket. Well, I was wrong as the jacket is Ralph Lauren. However I thought it was very precious when this lady turned to her granddaughter and explained the origins of the argyle print. ( I was wearing a heather gray v-neck argyle cashmere sweater). And later on the same day another lady, who was interested in buying a new necklace, was telling me on how all of her vintage jewelry from Bergdoff was set aside for her grandchildren. And she continues: "I know when the time comes for them to wear it they will have enough appreciation for it." ( In the video Coco Chanel giving an interview, circa 1970.)

Wonder woman!

One of my favorites models, Raquel Zimmermann, is going to have her face all over the place this fall. She is a boy and a girl for Jean Paul Gaultier, she is super sized for Victor & Rolf's EAU MEGA ( I love the name!) and she is a rocker for Gucci. All I have to say is: Raquel you better work! (Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009 photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin; Victor & Rolf Eau Mega fragrance photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin; Gucci Fall 2009 photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin; pictures courtesy of models.com)

Britney Spears out of Radar.

So many other interesting songs to be turned into a single/video, and Britney's record label chose "Radar"? Disappointing, not to mention the video is not even a bit creative. I expected more from Britney. Hasn't Madonna done the whole horse "thing" already? I just didn't like it.

loba

shakira's spanish version of the song "she wolf"

Loba is the word for she wolf in Spanish, and Portuguese as well. Although I like Shakira, there's still something about some of her English songs that makes it harder for you to understand. She Wolf, as an example, at times I have absolutely no clue what she is singing. So I decided to post the Spanish version of the song here. I love the black cutout body suit, and the dancing inside the cage is nice too. But the end is a bit...hmmm....disconnected with the rest of the video.

The Bunny Ears!

Everyone wondered what was going on when they saw Madonna walking down the red carpet with the bunny ears, in her Louis Vuitton outfit, for the Met Gala this past summer. Here's the reasoning behind it. A lot of work put into it so the whole picture can be edited out on Photoshop. Not that the house of Vuitton is on a budget constraint, but it would be cheaper to just paint her.

Welcome home LaToya...

Not much can be said about her musical and acting career. I truly can't recall anything she did it herself that was remarkable. However I find the release of this single, entitled "Home" as a very nice gesture to pay tribute to her brother. And I wouldn't call it a publicity stunt since the proceeds will be donned to Aids Project Los Angeles. One of Michael's favorite charities. Well done LaToya Jackson.

Who cares?

Apparently everybody... since I was bombarded with messages this morning about her new single hitting the web.Oh...who am I taking about? Madonna. Now you can listen to the whole thing, not just a snippet, and boogie!

Madonna - Celebration
by Material-Madonna

"I have just been on a trip to Minnesotta..."

"...where I can only...kindly describe...most of the people that I saw as little houses. And I just felt like there is so much...there is such an epidemic of obesity in the United States." Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue America. For other more quotes from Ms. Wintour herself please visit bryanboy.com ( Model from the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2007 show)

"Celebration comes from the verb Celebrate!"

Before you try correcting my previous post about Madonna's new album name, and single. Its Celebration instead of Celebrate and its due to hit stores on the 28Th of September. This is actually calling for a party...I need to start brainstorming about it. Until then you can take a look at the album cover, which seems to pay homage to Mr. Warhol.

The beginning of the end.

Brazilian director Aluizio Abranches is about to raise some peoples eye browns with the controversial "Do comeco ao fim." Watch the trailer and judge it for yourself..

Respondez s'il vous is French for....

R.S.V.P. and according to the handbook " As a Gentleman would say," written by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis: "When a gentleman has neglected to respond to a party invitation that was market R.S.V.P ("Please reply " in French)...he does say: "Mary Jane I hope you'll forgive me for calling so late. I do hope you'll still have room for me at your party."" And ladies and gentlemen if you were not invited realize YOU WERE NOT INVITED. Is it that hard to understand?

If I was skinnier all the things that I could do...

I'm not trying to turn this space into a gossip column. However the camera doesn't lie and Ms. Clarksons been looking a little more bottom heavy than usual. In this video she covers one of my favorites songs "If" by the Janet Jackson. Watch both the cover and the original and tell me which one you like best.

The Sample Party...

Here's a great idea to kick off your summer season while having a great time with your friends: "A pizza sampling party". All you need is to distribute your guests into pairs, or even trios, and each one of them makes a different kind of pizza. Everyone tries a small piece, almost like a sample, and by the end of the night everyone will be stuffed.
Marcos, the host, also had the great idea of having people vote for best pizza in different categories, such as taste and creativity, which made the evening even more entertaining.
Now that you know what it takes to throw a really cute summer gathering, go ahead and make it your own. Tell your guests to be creative, bring their best attitude and pizzas. (From top to bottom: Luiz and his Hawaiian pizza; Marcos sipping on some red wine; Katharina and her German style pizza, Richard just having a good time; and one of the best pizzas of the evening: red fruit and chocolate cream pizza)

You need Jesus!

I am talking about Madonna's love du jour Jesus Luz. Fact or fiction I wonder if the title for Madonna's new single "Celebrate" has anything to do with her personal life. She isn't hiding back her new beau and she wants to celebrate. Get it girl!!! Here's a preview of her single:

Single ladies!

What does Mariah Carey, Madonna, Whitney Houston and Shakira have in common? No, they are not single, but they all have a new single coming up soon. Although I'm a big Mariah fan I was not very excited with her "Obsessed" single. The video doesnt seem to be very tasteful or artistic groundbreaking. I do give kudos to Mariah for managing to get Patrick Demarchilier in her video. Shakira's "She Wolf" is interesting, but it bothers me that in parts of the song you cant barely understand what she is singing. And the most anticipated comeback of the year, Whitney Houston, had a party in London with her mentor, Clive Davis, to host a first listen of her upcoming album "Comes from the heart." The first single "Look into you" is due September 1st. Least but never last, is Madonna who shot the video for her new single titled "Celebrate," in Milan during a Dolce and Gabbana party. The weird fact is that both Madonna's and Whitney's event were on the same day and they were wearing the same leopard print dress. Must be the recession!

Mariah Carey Obsessed Video
by anthonychopin25

Jack the dog!

This Sunday I went to Lincoln Park to celebrate Jack's birthday. He also had some really cute friends with him and I couldn't help but take their pictures and publish here. From top to bottom: Jack and his birthday cake; Bobby and I; Wrigley and Archie.

Out of the way Meryl Streep!

Everyone knows that Meryl Streep did an amazing job in Devil Wears Prada. And everyone also knows that the role was inspired by Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of Vogue America. So why not have Ms. Wintour herself filmed? In "The September Issue," R.J. Cutler, director and producer, does just that. He takes us behind the scenes of the creation and production of the year's largest and most expected edition of Vogue America. The September Issue won grand jury prize for Excellence in Cinematography at the 2009 Sundance Festival.

From Glitter to Precious!

If Mariah Carey's movie debut Glitter wasn't a hit, her new attempt might have a better chance to please movie goers. It seems that the perfect formula to get your acting noticed when you're pretty is to get rid of the make up, get on some ugly outfit not to mention bad hair do. Go Mariah...spread your wings and fly cause you have become a butterfly.

Putting on a show...

Leave it to Galliano to put on a show and bring his models to life. The latest Dior Couture fashion show is a lesson of what couture is truly about, if you haven't seen it please do it now.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Michael!

After hosting Greenleaf's dinner party last night, we head out to Roscoe's for a few more cocktails and some boogie woogie. During dinner we took a moment to reflect on how amazing Michael Jackson was as an artist and how saddened we were with his loss. It still feels unreal to me. The very first post of this blog is titled "Gonna be starting something" because that's the song I was listening at the time. And as for last night at Roscoe's, as it approached 2am and the DJ called for last call, he gifted us with an amazing remix of Thriller. The crowd went crazy and I even saw some girls next to me tearing up. That was when I told my friends that on the count of 5 we were going to start screaming Michael. And so we did.And so did the whole crowd. It gave me the chills. Michael may God bless all of your family and fans in this very sad moment of our lives. You were truly one of the few that truly mattered.
(Picture courtesy of http://www.flawlesshustle.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/michael_jackson1.jpg).

Dinner is served!

What's the best way to celebrate a lovely summer evening? No, the answer is not outside. Instead, inside with a selective group of friends, enjoying yourselves with good food and drinks.
My fabulous friend, and New York resident, David Greenleaf is in town for the weekend. That said, I had the perfect excuse to host a dinner party. Sauvignon Blanc and caipirinhas made the perfect pairing with dutch and Spanish cheese. Followed by a fresh raspberry aragula salad and a the main course was Italian Sausage rigatoni with sun dried tomato sauce. Just delicious! And although we had chocolate mousse cake for dessert, that wasn't the last the evening had to offer... David graced us with a delightful pocket fashion show. Give a girl a pair of heels and she'll go far.
In the pictures from top to bottom, left to right: Andrew Nye and David Greenleaf; Ashley Attaneise and Karolyn Kirsh; Marcos Ferreira and Frankly Kitchen; Richard Blake and Luiz Rosa; and my favorite look of the show: the faux-fur, of course, wrap-strapless piece.

Evenings in Vogue

What's the recipe for a fabulous evening?
Take a pen a write it down: a selective group of beautiful people; an amazing location; great food and drinks; and top it all off with Vogue. From top to bottom: General view of the party; Shellie Thompson and the host Whitney Lasky; Toni Canada and friend ( in Prada and Balmain respectively); the amazing mango and red pepper puree martini; Shellie and Luiz Rosa.

Wear the carrots!

Although it seems as if summer decided to show up in Chicago a little too late...it is finally here. And its very nice and comforting to be able to go outside just wearing jeans and tee. However I am already thinking about fall. Menswear hardly ever has any major changes, and whenever it does it takes forever for men to adapt. So if you're a guy with great sense of style, and some spare cash, I'd recommend investing in a pair of carrot pants. (picture from Burberry Prorsum Fall 09/10 by Marcio Madeira)

Gentlemen prefer blond!

Why should I be an exception? Just kidding...Last Saturday the Junior League of Chicago held its Windy City Nights at Germania. The evening was full of beautiful people that entertained themselves while helping a good cause. The event raised almost $ 80.000, which goes toward helping and empowering women in need.

Better than Sex...

If you have not seen: "Valentino: The last Emperor", I recommend you go see it immediately. As much fun as Sex and the City was, Valentino's is entertaining , emotional and real. Not fiction!
I saw the premiere at the Landmark Theather in the Century Mall in Chicago, and was gifted with a Q&A with Matt Tyrnauer, the movie director.
Tyrnauer managed to portray more than beautiful dresses, celebrities and models. He portrayed Valentinos journey since when he started, his 50 year relationship with his lover and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti and his last days behind the multi-billion brand he created. Worth seeing it!

Gonna be starting something...

Hello, my name is Luiz and this is my blogsphere. Here I talk about my favorites things in life...fashion, music and people. In other words...all that matters.