FASHION Magazine

Givenchy has nixed its couture runway show in favour of private appointments. “I want to make couture even more special than it is, and not just another catwalk show,” designer Riccardo Tisci told WWD. “People can really experience the couture moment: See it, touch it.” The 10-look collection will contain no black (a first for him, says Tisci) and the designer is quick to point out that the new format is not a money saver–it will cost about 35 per cent more than a runway show. [WWD]

Alexander McQueen‘s ashes were buried on the Isle of Skye in Scotland on May 29, according to a statement released by his family. A memorial service is planned for later this year. [WWD]

Lady Gaga wore a new McQueen piece for a private performance in New York. It was specially-designed for her by the label’s new head designer, Sarah Burton. [Grazia]

Is Martha Stewart going from casseroles to couture? Her slew of fashionable guests (including Proenza Schouler and Andre Leon Talley) isn’t ending anytime soon: next week, Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte will be appearing on the Martha Stewart Show to talk about their design process.  [Fashionologie]

Toronto fashion darling Kimberley Newport-Mimran revealed she will be expanding her Pink Tartan line from the confines of the department store by opening her first Pink Tartan flagship this fall. The 2,500-square-foot space will house the line in its “pure form” in a historic Yorkville (obviously) building. [Toronto Star]

It’s hard to advocate for a pared-down summer routine when we’re tempted with all sorts of beauty treats. We round up our favourite scrubs, brightly-coloured shadows, stunning palettes, juicy nail shades and more in our Summer Beauty Guide. Click the images below to get started and then check back Tuesday, May 18 for the launch […]

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News of Alexander McQueen’s death, apparently by his own hand, at the age of 40 has sent a wave of sadness and shock through the fashion world, who were just sitting down to the first collections at New York Fashion Week. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who reportedly rushed out of the BCBG show upon hearing the news, issued this statement:

“We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing — from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

A 50th anniversary is reason to celebrate, and that is just what Nicholas Kirkwood is doing. In honour of the UK-based store Liberty of London‘s Carnaby Street location, the brand is using two of their best-known floral prints-the Bounty and the Santa Maria-and covering a pair of their signature heels with the prints. Fingers crossed these styles make their way across the pond. [Fashionista]

Recent attempts made by the trendy label Modern Amusement, including the departure of it’s CEO and company-wide layoffs, weren’t enough to save the brand. The company known best for it’s crow logo has has shut down operations, leaving boutiques and department stores without their spring shipments. [WWD]

Victoria Beckham was recently spotted lunching with Marc Jacobs and LVMH exec Edo Jae, whom tweeted that “they’re talking about a line with fur” post-meeting.
[Elle UK]

Chanel has a secret club of fashion friends who are tapped for feedback on collection previews. DJ Leigh Lezark revealed she test-drives products for Chanel, along with Caroline Sieber and Poppy Delevigne. How do we sign up? [The Cut]

The release of Mattel’s So in Style collection of black dolls, the first ever with wider noses, fuller lips and in a variety of skin shades, has been met with disappointment. Parents are saying the prevalence of green and blue eyes as well as long, fine hair is not representative of the race. Mattel is listening though, and is working on the fall 2010 collection, adding a doll with more of an Afro hairstyle. [WSJ]

A pristine collection of some of the most recognizable pieces worn by Audrey Hepburn during the 1950s and ’60s will be up for auction on December 8 in London. The curator of the Passion for Fashion sale, Kerry Taylor (kerrytaylorauctions.com), has some of the most elegant pieces on offer, many designed personally for Hepburn by couturier Hubert de Givenchy. Hepburn has often been regarded as Givenchy’s muse, though she is known to have worked alongside the famed designer, who credited her eye for selecting and sometimes toning down the detailing of his garments as the key ingredient in her timeless style. (Gallery after the jump)

When I saw this Fall 2009 Valentino ad recently, my first thought was, Wow Kristen McMenamy has some great legs. While I’m sure she does, the legs in question actually belong to Austrian model Iris Strubegger, who is suddenly popping up everywhere.

  Givenchy’s newest jewels make for some bright nights. [Nitrolicious] Not all heirs and heiresses have time to star in MTV reality shows, some are very busy… horseback riding.  [Vanity Fair] Architect Philippe Starck is set to draft up a collection of sweaters. [Fashionista]

The post Daily reads: Givenchy glo and those socialites in the first row appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

At Andrew Gn (cool daywear in black, tweed, copper and white made edgy with leather and snake trims and massive earrings, and uber-glam eveningwear like miles of belted column dresses) I bump into Nicholas Mellamphy who recently had to shutter his cool Yorkville boutique Hazel. Guess what? Now he’s working for the Bay as part of their new fashion-forward strategy. Look out, Holts!