FASHION Magazine

While TIFF-goers will be clambering to get a glimpse of Brad Pitt at tonight’s Moneyball premiere, nothing could compare to last night’s flashing of bulbs and girlish screams that echoed throughout NYC for Fashion’s Night Out. I spotted Diane von Furstenberg addressing the crowd at her meatpacking store in Pope-like style, arms waving soothingly at her fans. Later in the night as Anna Wintour made her appearance (a show-dog circle and then, poof, she was gone!) outside Pastis where I was noshing on late-night frites, a parade of fashion followers braved her bodyguards and the cobblestone streets in six-inch stilettos, chasing after their fashion god for just a glimpse. At Stella McCartney‘s downtown store the crowd was smokin’ hot, and I’m not talking about their looks. A broken air conditioner had guests passing the Perrier like it was crack.

Since its worldwide debut at the most famous wedding of the year, Kate Middleton’s Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown has won over fashion critics and royal watchers alike. The dress continues to impress, with a record-breaking number of fans flocking to Buckingham Palace to see it IRL.

Since opening on July 23, “The Royal Wedding Collection” has had 354, 000 visitors so far, and with just a month left until the exhibit closes, the expected revenue from the $27 tickets will be $13 million.

So, where’s all the cash going? Part of the revenue is going to William and Kate’s wedding charity fund—oh, and to spruce up the Royal Family’s digs, including their palaces and extensive art collections.

Ever since the Met Costume Institute’s record-breaking Alexander McQueen exhibit closed, we’ve been itching to know what its successor would be. Well hear ye, ladies of quirk: Miuccia Prada and the legendary Elsa Schiaparelli are the next in line to be celebrated. While an official release from the museum has yet to be released, we’re thinking that WWD is a pretty credible source.

Both women brought Italian fashion into the spotlight but are known for very different styles. Schiaparelli was a close friend and collaborator of Salvador Dalí and repeatedly plucked from his surrealist inspirations. In fact, she is most known for her lobster dress of 1937, which was created in collaboration with Dalí (and once worn by Wallis Simpson). Prada, on the other hand, might need less of an introduction. Her titanic influence on the industry has been solidly felt across the world (as if spring’s infamous stripes didn’t say it on their own).

Curators Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton no doubt have some surprises up their sleeves, and we are dying to see what they have in store. Are they as excited as we are?

What makes Daphne Guinness a fashion icon? It could be the instantly recognizable platinum and black–striped hairdo, the sky-high heels, or the over-the-top collection of couture clothes and extravagant jewellery. More so, though, it’s the heiress’s fearlessness when it comes to the way she dresses. The Museum at FIT (like so many others) has taken notice and will host an exhibit of Guinness’s clothing collection starting in September. We can’t wait to check out the lineup, which is sure to include some pieces by Guinness favourite Alexander McQueen, so in honour of the occasion we bring you a Daphne-themed edition of FASHION Plates. Take a look through our picks for how to channel a bit of Daphne with every look.

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Does artistic genius run in the family? When your older sister is Lady Gaga, there has to be some crossover. Natali Germanotta, who is being labelled “Baby Gaga,” is setting out to prove that she too possesses creative talent. News has broken that the 19-year-old is creating costumes for Simon Says, the Off-Broadway show set to premiere this fall in New York.

Germanotta isn’t exactly a stranger to the world of fashion and music. Whether or not you noticed, she appeared in Lady Gaga’s video for “Telephone” and accompanied her to this year’s CFDA awards. Judging from what we’ve seen, the girl’s got style! Beyond that, she has interned for designer Allison Parris and currently studies fashion design at Parsons the New School for Design.

It’s likely that Germanotta will have a high-profile career in fashion, but the question is: Will she bear resemblance to her sister’s style or set her own trends? Will her work resemble Gaga’s designer favourites, like Mugler, McQueen, and Versace? Perhaps, when designing, Germanotta is inspired by the likes of Hermès and Céline… Actually, we  highly doubt that.

Last night marked the close of “Savage Beauty,” the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s four-month ode to Alexander McQueen. Cue the savage, savage tears.

Since it’s opening on May 4, the exhibit brought in an astounding 650,000+ visitors, making it the eighth biggest show in the Met’s 141-year history and their most successful costume specific exhibit ever. In the last few weeks it was open, crazed crowds attempting to get a last peek made headlines. Fights broke out in the sometimes three-hour lineup. The museum retracted the privilege of members to skip the line. There was even an iPhone app made aptly named the McQueen Line Trek: The Taming of the Queue. All’s fair in fashion and war?

If you missed the exhibit and have a major case of regret, the museum at FIT in New York will be showcasing some of McQueen’s pieces at their Daphne Guinness exhibit opening September 16. And if New York is too far of a trek, you can always pick up the Met’s book on the exhibition. But you better hurry—they’ve already sold more than 100,000 copies, and we wouldn’t want to stand in that line at the bookstore.

A year and five months after Alexander McQueen committed suicide, his last will and testament has been made public. The designer’s $26 million fortune is set to be divided mostly among family members and charities. The most buzz-worthy part of the document? McQueen left $82,000 to his dogs.

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

Fellini’s in Toronto (at least in spirit), and we can’t get the 8 ½ director out of our heads. Although he experimented with quite a few styles during his 30-year career, it’s his signature drama, seductiveness and extravagance that are on display at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in the form of film stills, magazine clippings and more. In honour of the molto dolce occasion, we bring you a Fellini-inspired edition of FASHION Plates, to help you channel the indulgent, sexy attitude of his many muses. So, up the glamour and get shopping.

Head to the TIFF Bell Lightbox for Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions and take in the chic excess associated with the director.

Bell Lightbox Exhibit (tiff.net)

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From Alexander McQueen to Alexander Wang, the stacked ankle boot has stepped up to the plate this fall. Look for details like slick finishes, edgy hardware, or a deep, rich colour—like these cognac-hued, wear-with-everything boots by H&M (hm.com).

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

We’ve made it pretty clear that we’re all about Kate this week, right? Right? We’re especially into her sailor-inspired Alexander McQueen dress worn yesterday in Prince Edward Island, so much so that we’ve gone shopping in the name of the future Queen. God save her and her style sense, really. Ahoy mate!

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Follow our ongoing coverage of the Royal visit! »

During their whirlwind tour of Prince Edward Island, Kate and Will have been spending a lot of time by the sea. Kate’s clearly dressed for the occasion in her adorable crème and navy Alexander McQueen cable-knit sailor dress. Could there have been a more perfect look? We think not. What do you think? Vote after the jump!

Rihanna is implicated in racist allegations against Gucci. [Telegraph UK]