FASHION Magazine

Known for its captivating selection of high-end shoes and bags (Christian Louboutin, Valentino) and old-school charm (first-class service with a smile), this celebrated Toronto retailer truly stands out from the crowd. Started in 1951 by husband-and-wife team Louis and Julia Markowitz (who named the store after their eldest son), this private, family-run business continues to serve up superior soles today, with a few additions along the way (a redesigned store at the Bayview Village Shopping Centre and a location in Yorkdale Shopping Centre).

By Laura deCarufel

See photos of Natalia’s style picks »

What’s your approach to modelling?
“It’s like acting for me. I always try to understand the inspiration behind the photo shoot—the woman, film or book that we’re translating into a photograph.”

Thought your red soles were the last thing that set your Loubs apart from the rest? Well, think again. Yesterday, Judge Victor Marrero denied shoe-design demigod Christian Louboutin from holding the claim on the shade from Yves Saint Laurent, who had manufactured similarly soled models. The brand battle started up earlier this year when Louboutin filed a lawsuit against YSL for producing the heels, which it felt infringed on an established signature.

Although Louboutin won a trademark in order to protect its precious red soles back in 2008, it wasn’t enough to anchor a victory this time around. Other companies, such as Tiffany & Co., do hold rights to colour; however, the context is a bit different. Tiffany’s signature blue box is limited to packaging and doesn’t affect the creative input or design of actual products. The judge’s decision is really only the beginning, as he ordered the parties to return to court next week. It seems that he would like to reconsider the issuing of Louboutin’s trademark altogether and possibly have it revoked.

What could this cancellation mean in the grand scheme of things? We can only imagine the flood of high-street knockoffs that would follow suit. Louboutins have become instantly recognizable and immensely popular among the masses—frequently photographed on celebs and featured in shows like Sex and the City. That being said, one brand having a monopoly over a colour just isn’t fair to the creative aspirations of other designers. The court even compared the case to an imaginary suit between Monet and Picasso. One artist claiming rights over the colour blue, despite distinct artistic visions, just seems a bit absurd.

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Rachel Bilson will be taking role as the style director of Sunglass Hut worldwide. [StyleCaster]

Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy showed an installation of couture dresses in Florence. Take a look at all the gold, crystals and feathers. [Dazed Digital]

Beavers, armadillos and grasshoppers, oh my! See how designer Billie Achilleos made the insanely intricate Louis Vuitton creatures. [Racked]

The Reiss dress that Kate Middleton wore to meet Michelle Obama sold out online faster than you can say, “Buckingham Palace.”  [Fashionista]

Michelle Obama carries on with fashion politics in the UK and wows at Buckingham Palace in a breathtaking Tom Ford gown. [Telegraph UK]

Diane von Furstenberg will be launching a fragrance called Diane that she describes as the power of a woman in a bottle. That’s going to be a strong scent! [Grazia UK]

Is it just us, or along with the first purchase of a designer dud (or a say an H&M collaborative one), should a fashion pronunciation guide be handed over? In these times of the great globalization, the once mostly à la Français designer names are coming up Spanish, Indian and beyond and keeping up with the international Joneses is getting harder and harder. In efforts to save our poor ears from ever hearing Shoo-ler, Lan-vine or Give-en-chi again, we provide you with a guide to a few of the most difficult to pronounce designer names. While Tisci might always be a tongue twister (and for the record its Tee-shee), you’ll never get stand corrected on these ones ever again…

Do we sense the beginnings of a comeback? The always gorgeous Gemma Ward makes an appearance in the pages of a fashion magazine for the first time in forever, covering a supplement for Australian Harper’s Bazaar. [Jezebel]

By Renee Reardin

Christian Louboutin sues YSL for copying his signature red sole. We guess Louboutin’s mother never told him that imitation is the best form of flattery. [Telegraph]