FASHION Magazine

By Jason Anderson.
Editor: Rani Sheen.

It was only recently that Shay Mitchell became someone who might get recognized by fans in public, so it’s understandable that she finds it all “a little weird.”

“Sometimes they’ll walk by you the first time and not say anything, but just stare at you,” says the star of Pretty Little Liars, a high school–set mystery series that’s swiftly become essential viewing for teens and a guilty pleasure for TV fans outside the demographic. “For a while I was thinking, ‘Do I have something on my face? Do I have toilet paper hanging off my shoe?’” she says. “It’s very flattering. I like to stop and chit-chat.”

In late June, between celeb-spotting at the Sunset Tower Hotel and drinks at Chateau Marmont, FASHION had the chance to visit the downtown Los Angeles loft where the Gap’s brand-spankin’ new (and freaking awesome, we might add) design team dreams up and develops their 1969 denim line. We sat down with the team to discuss the brand’s heritage and its future, the new L.A. influence, and how it all translates into Fall 2011. In stores now, the collection is chock-full of must-haves, with slimmer fits and edgy rinses for men and an amazing selection of printed denim (think snakeskin and camo) and colourful fabrications for women.

Check out our slideshow to meet the team! »

Featured from left to right: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream skin protectant ($25, at Shoppers Drug Mart) was used to give skin a sheen in A Single Man. Shu Uemura Essence Absolue nourishing protective oil ($68, shuuemura.com) makes damaged strands “shine like baby hair,” says Cornell. Chapstick ($3, at Shoppers Drug Mart) in “Cherry” is offers’ go-to lip tint.

Almost every season, Hollywood has a way of asserting its influence on the runways, with leading ladies from contemporary and iconic films inspiring makeup and hair at several shows. For Fall 2011 alone, makeup artist Val Garland painted a smoky eye at Sophie Theallet to evoke a modern-day Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde, while at Dsquared, she channelled Nicole Kidman in Cold Mountain. And Garland wasn’t the only one mining imdb for muses. Hairstylist Eugene Souleiman had Hailee Steinfeld in mind while he weaved what he refers to as “Amish/True Grit braids” at Kenzo.

Word: Cacography

Definition: Bad, messy handwriting, from Greek kakos (bad) and graphy (writing). The opposite of calligraphy. It can also mean bad spelling, but you don’t want to get me started on that, f’reals.

Tinseltown inducted its newest stars this weekend, as Will and Kate graced the city for a hot 72 hours. The couple made appearances at several events, including the BAFTA Brits to Watch gala, where they schmoozed with the likes of Nicole Kidman, J-Lo, and Jennifer Garner; a charity polo match that Will won (and that he was rewarded for with a kiss!); and an inner-city arts class, where they painted pretty pictures. It seems as if Kate pulled out all the stops for the short visit and with good reason: in the town where red carpets are whipped out as frequently as cellphones, a star on the ups has got to shine. We daresay she outshone all of the others. By a long-shot.

Peep the 5 stunning outfits Kate donned this weekend »

Follow our ongoing coverage of the North American Royal visit! »

For nine glorious days, we held the keys to the two most buzzed about people on earth and now that they’re gone, we can’t help but feel a tad possessive. Kate and Will hit L.A. yesterday afternoon for a weekend of glitzy Hollywood dinners, parties and a $4,000-a-ticket charity polo match. Off the plane from a proverbial hoedown in Calgary, Kate landed in a light blue grey Roksanda Ilinic pleated and draped cocktail dress that seemed as if to say “I’m ready for my diamond-studded close-up.”

When we interviewed our August 2011 cover star, Lady Gaga, while she was on tour in Montreal, you can imagine she shared too many pearls to include on one page. Since there was too much Gaga goodness to share, we decided to feature it all here for you. Enjoy!

Click here to read our interview with Lady Gaga now »

We Culturites are just coming off the high of a successful event in L.A. where we hosted an exhibit of Yvan Rodic’s (a.k.a The Facehunter) street style photographs in a private penthouse at the W Residences in West Hollywood with a very full house of interesting and over the top chic Angelenos.  Here are some of our favourite spots in the city:

Sleep: Sunset Tower Hotel (8358 Sunset Blvd., 323-654-7100, sunsettowerhotel.com)  Stay here for the old world charm, un-pretentious service, the chicken apple breakfast sausage and the intimate pool area and patio (jazz music included). The rooms are comfortable and well appointed, and who knows, you may even spot Jennifer Aniston (word has it that this is her home away from home). The Sunset Tower has always been a favorite hang-out for Hollywood royalty.

Eat: Pace (2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd., 323-654-8583, peaceinthecanyon.com) Named for the Italian word for peace, Pace is a unassuming little joint nestled in Laurel Canyon. Though low-key in atmosphere, it manages to pack a large punch when it comes to its customers and menu. It’s a favorite for the young celebrity set, but there’s not one paparazzo in sight–imagine that!