CITYist

Prefer architectural sans archetype? Then check out the Kara Ross Gemstone collection. The collection featuring rings, necklaces earrings and more are like contemporary, wearable art topped off with a spattering of sophistication. Inspired by stained glass, the line include Kara Ross’ signature faceted gemstones set boldly in sterling silver and 18k gold arrangements. Sharp lines, deep hues and standout settings—to say the least, the collection offers an incredibly tactile display of chic. The exclusive collection was recently launched through Neiman Marcus and Net-a-porter. Who says edgy and elegance don’t go hand-in-hand?

Carolina Herrera’s Spring/Summer 2011 show was like an all-consuming, yet brief, trip to the far east. Per usual, the clothing was beautiful and feminine. Slender waists, bare shoulders—it embodied a sophisticated sensuality that’s become an unspoken trademark for the brand. Even the Orlando Pita styled geometrical coiffures—which couldn’t be ignored— were in perfect harmony with the look and feel of the brand.

Monday night, the Perry Ellis show featured a load of lovely lads clad in what can only be described as Mad Men in Monte Carlo. Or perhaps, Bermuda? Pops of coral and tangerine dominated the collection, while pale hues of blue and lime added a more subtle kick. With this collection, Creative Director John Crocco and his team made a loud and clear statement: that navy, khaki and gray aren’t the only colors that should be found amongst men’s wardrobes.

We were greatly saddened to learn of photographer Corinne Day’s recent death due to a long-held battle with a brain tumor. Through Day’s lens we witnessed a bare bones beauty that was honest and unapologetically raw. In the early 90s it was she who ushered in the antithesis of the 80s glitz and glam with “grunge.” And ever since, her visions have inspired and influenced, pushing the once-deemed fad into an actual point of view. It was Day who was the first to capture a gangly 16-year-old Kate Moss for The Face, images recognized as launching the model’s career. Whether it was documenting her own battle with cancer or shooting other faces like Georgina Cooper and Jessica Stam, Day has surely impacted the fashion world—and because of it we are thankful.

Be it on the runways or on TV sets, Mad Men’s influence is everywhere. And thanks to eyeglass artisans Edward Beiner, that influence can now sit firmly on the bridge of your nose. Their most recent collection is a throwback to the early 1960s (a conservative era known now for Barry Goldwater’s defeat and—of course—chic tailoring). The collection itself is made with zyl, a versatile cotton-oil based acetate, instead of the more commonly used molded plastic. In short: they’re built to last. Handcrafted in the the Oyonnax region of France, the vintage-inspired frames are the perfect antidote for those craving a little glam.

Whoever said cool Band-Aids were limited to the 10-years-old and younger crowd was sorely mistaken. Doyenne of all things feminine, Cynthia Rowley, has teamed up with Johnson and Johnson to create ever-so-cool Band-Aids. These teeny fixer-uppers come adorned with prints—think jewels, chains and images of Rowley’s collection. You can pick them up at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum and Cynthia Rowley shops and site. Best of all? One dollar from each sale at Cynthia Rowley will be donated to mentoring program Design Ignites Change. Adhesive-covered gauze never looked so chic.

No matter the medium, an artist is an artist. Perhaps this is why company Le Blob, started by Fernando Akasaka as a pusher of interior furniture and home objects, has delved into the jewelry world. The current collection of metal rings, earrings and necklaces are all handmade and exclusive, and feature a certifiable rock ‘n’ roll edge (find them at EVA New York). Made with rough finishes and deep grooves, the line features skulls, bones and a load of reptilian-inspired pieces that aren’t meant for the timid. Then again, if you are timid, this may be your answer. Check out some of our favorites after the jump.

Perhaps we were inspired by Queen Madge’s recent appearance in the Fall/Winter Dolce & Gabanna campaign, or a lingering impact of Ellen von Unwerth’s spread for Italian Vogue, but Italian chic is totally on our radar for fall. Wing-tipped specs, kohl-rimmed eyes…it’s all about mixing 40s femme with 60s vixen. So put on Fergie’s “Be Italian”, and check out our roundup of this fall trend (including chic pieces to buy). Viva Italia!

M.I.A.’s recently released single for song “XXXO” is in no way comparable to the controversial Born Free video. But that’s not a bad thing. Perhaps this is a way for the artist to “take a chill pill” between tweeting the phone numbers of harsh critics and instilling fear into gingers of the world. Whatever the reason, the song’s catchy tune and crazy gaudy graphics are, dare we say—fun? M.I.A.’s signature 80s style—gold lamé, red lips, hoop earrings—are scene throughout, but this has to be the most glam we’ve seen her in a video. It actually looks like a bad Myspace page in motion. But surely that’s the point. What do you guys think?

Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, the masterminds behind brand Vena Cava, have created Viva Vena!, a new line with all you’d expect from their staple brand—at a lower price point. (Under $200, to be exact.) That’s right, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything that would put you in the poorhouse (or restrict you to eating Ramen Noodles for a month). Silk details and organic jerseys skim the surface for what shoppers are in store for. The Viva Vena! tees, tanks and dresses will feature signature hand-drawn prints and Neo-Dada photo collages (viva Jasper Johns!). To sum it up: it’s that casual, yet somehow put-together look LA has made famous (after all the designers are Angelenos at heart). The new line is now available at Barneys, Bergdorfs, Opening Ceremony and Saks, among others.

Just imagine: a gallery-inspired setting, a curated selection of Cali’s finest fashion designers and prices that won’t completely overdraft your Chase account. Welcome to LA’s Echo Park Independent Co-op (aka E.P.I.C). Since opening earlier this year, owners/founders Rhianon and Tristan Scott have made it their mission to support and spread the word about local fashion artists and talents on the come up, so to speak. All items are guaranteed to be locally designed and—in most cases— locally produced (take that American Apparel!).

Braided silk, handmade details and just a touch of off kilter kitsch are what makes label Leyendecker praise-worthy. Design duo Jessica Moss and Lisa Guajardo are the brainchildren behind the label—which launched four years ago and has been steady on the rise since. The Los Angeles-based pair construct strong pieces with classic lines and their recent collection is the answer for those craving unique, wearable pieces.

It’s only fitting that in photographer Paul Rodriguez’s book, Final Notice, two of America’s most beloved icons are featured side by side. Who, you ask? Elmo and Dennis Hopper (R.I.P.). These random yet somehow insanely cohesive ideas are just an inkling of what you’ll discover thumbing through Rodriguez’s book. It’s raw, voyeuristic nature, will surely rev up a conversation.The well-edited selection was gathered from the photographer’s work from 2006 to 2009 and although a very limited amount of copies were printed, the book itself is available in digital version for free. Check it out. The video promo is also pretty rad.

Nothing says glamour like a face-engulfing pair of sunglasses. Case and point: Valentino Eyewear. Their newest collection for Autumn 2010 has reintroduced the world to the V-logo while giving it a contemporary spin. The VAL 5749/s model features a seductive shape (think: cat eyes) and is available in tortoiseshell, an ivory frame with tinted lenses and in the ever-so classic black. Meanwhile, the VAL 5750/s model, embodies old Hollywood, with its oversized, rounded shape available in hazelnut or gray striped frames. Put them on and you’ll feel like you should be sipping Limoncello at a café in Positano.

Fluid. Dark. Mysterious. Designer Gabby Applegate’s newest collection pays homage to dark femininity, to say the least. The LA-based designer recently debuted her video lookbook featuring the track “Lovely Blood Flow” by Baths and the direction of Aurelien Levitan. Applegate—previously known as Witches prior to her namesake label—channels Stevie Nicks for this collection. With items like velvet and lace leggings, conceptual silk dresses and leather jackets, there are definitely more than a few hits for the coming autumn season. A personal favorite includes a lace hoodie. It’s the perfect mix of sophistication and inspired creativity. Check out the video after the jump.

What happens when you take seven talented artists, the novel Art & Lies by Jeannette Winterson and free reign? Spazi Sergreti, or Mendacity, Mood exhibit at the Centotto in Brooklyn. Featured artists include: Deborah Brown, Jenn Brehm, Mary Kate Maher, Karilyn Johanesen and more. It’s a visual feast of prose as the artists dissect and interpret the author’s rich narrative, resulting in something truly unique. But it doesn’t stop there. Curator Paul D’Agostino then asked the artists to select and rewrite memorable passages from the novel by hand, which will be apart of a second show, Citational Graphologies, or A Show of Hands (or “the handwriting show,” as D’Agostino has joked). In a world of email, texting and reading 50 characters or less, we’d say that’s rather refreshing.

Madonna and Dolce & Gabbana have joined forces again for the upcoming Fall/Winter 2011 campaign. Shot by Steven Klein, the crisp black and white photos feature Ms. Ciccone reconnecting with her namesake’s roots, while cinematic she-wolf and Italian actress Anna Magnani plays inspiration behind the pop powerhouse’s character. Each frame represents an introspective view into a charming yet everyday Italian lifestyle: picking up items from the market with her son (think: Magnani’s flick Mamma Roma), attending Sunday family brunch, mending a skirt with granny and (a personal fave) grappling with chickens in a rosette-clad jacket. The verdict? Madonna looks beautiful, and the lifestyle is enviable. And any collection where one can rock crucifixes on the street and not look like a clergy member is kind of thrilling.

Forget seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Instead, see RED. This August Emporio Armani and (PRODUCT) RED are debuting a new style of sunglasses and a watch for both ladies and gents. Both his and hers sunglasses will retail for $180 each and feature a vintage square frame style for the women and an 80s teardrop frame for the men. The unisex watch retails for $240 and features 43mm black ion-plated stainless steel quartz (read: chic and functional), and is water resistant. For all three items a gracious portion of the proceeds benefit (PRODUCT) RED—a global fund dedicated to eliminating HIV/AIDS in Africa. Fashion, function and philanthropy, what’s not to love?

Remix albums can sometimes feel like a “last call” for album sales: the same tracks, the same lyrics and familiar baselines. Not here. Au Revoir Simone’s Night Light is like listening to a new album all over again. The Williamsburg-based trio blends fluffy clouds of synth beats and lo-fi pop, for a melancholic sound that’s by no means simple. It features rehashed tracks from talents like Angel Deradoorian (from The Dirty Projectors), Aeroplane and Jens Lekman, to name a few. Although it’s a much livelier version of the previous Still Night, Still Light, their trippy, wispy vocals are still heard throughout.