FASHION Magazine

Men in high heels. We won’t lie—we heard whisperings of this micro-trend, but had not quite believed it until we saw an article in last week’s New York Times. (If it’s in the NYT style section it’s gotta be newsworthy, right?)

Besides the title of best-selling author accompanying her name for her I Heart series of books, British-born and New York-based writer Lindsey Kelk is also rather hilarious and tuned in to fashion, beauty, and pop culture, which we found out when we met her at the Toronto launch of her newest book, The Single Girl’s To Do List ($16, chapters.indigo.ca). The book is about a London editorial makeup artist, Rachel, who gets dumped out of the blue by her long-term boyfriend. She picks up the pieces by completing the titular list, and her insights along the way include cringe-worthy perfumes and cult beauty products, TV hunks, and plenty of Mad Men references that help us with our show withdrawal. There’s even a trip to visit a long lost crush that lives in Toronto. Now with the book climbing the Amazon bestsellers list, and a brilliant op ed about Chick Lit in the National Post, we spoke to her about our favourite three references in the book.

By Lauren Chan and Poonam Kaur Billing

Gone are the days of the one-lipstick woman. This fall, red lips are trending, and now you don’t have to pick just one hue. From bold red to deep purple, it’s all about confidence in carrying a shade. Sure, you might have a preference, but there’s no need to feel limited. Switch from poppy to pomegranate from day to night—no one’s stopping you.

Go red! »

Help FASHION celebrate our 10^th annual Reader’s Choice Beauty Awards by telling us which products are your ultimate must-haves. Vote at fashionmagazine.com/beautyawards for a chance to WIN a beauty pack with your top picks!

This week, we’re exploring the Yves Saint Laurent tote belonging to Caitlin Agnew, assistant editor/research. Her assortment of unusual yet completely essential goodies from as far away as Paris (plaid-covered lint remover, anyone?) denote an attention to detail that she puts to the test in her sleuth-like job here at FASHION.

Let’s explore! »

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.

By Randi Bergman and Jordan Porter

There isn’t much else that can top a great pop song… except maybe the video. And the video for Beyoncé’s latest single, “Run The World (Girls)” has got us here at FASHION in a dance-infused tizzy. Forget working, we’re too busy trying to emulate the bangin’ choreography and the warrior-like costumes. While we’ll have to wait till never to get our hands on the Gareth Pugh, Emilio Pucci, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy Couture and Jean Paul Gaultier we’ve pulled together a list of readily available items to quench your Beyoncé thirst for the time being. WHO RUNS THIS MOTHER?

Shop the guide now! »

Attention Black Swan fans and Parisian cinema die-hards: The newest face of YSL Parfum, French leading man, Vincent Cassel stars in our Spring 2011 Men’s FASHION issue. Read an excerpt from our interview with him here:

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]

Actress Jaime King graced the carpet for the GQ Men of the Year party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. King wore a Mandalay two-tone sequin dress, paired up with black patent YSL pumps and a bold red lip. We can’t argue with a flawless red lip, but the dress looks a bit Flinstones-ish. What do you think? Vote now!