FASHION Magazine

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.

This week, we take you into the sophisticated looking Balenciaga Papier tote that belongs to our online editor, Randi Bergman. Inside, you’ll find a mixed bag (literally) of odd trinkets like a harmonica, a ridiculously oversized ring, and a super-bright lipstick she swears was made just for her.

Let’s explore! »

By Jordan Porter

When thinking about the fashion greats, Yves Saint Laurent is one of the first to come to mind. Inspired by Morocco, Mondrian, and so much more, the designer’s influence is still heavily felt throughout the industry.  YSL: L’Amour Fou, the documentary focusing on Saint Laurent’s private life (out on DVD next month), has got us thinking more about his personal style though. Even though he was responsible for dressing style icons such as Catherine Deneuve, we think the designer was an icon in his own right. It’s also fitting that in 1966 Saint Laurent introduced the androgynous Le Smoking tuxedo, putting women in the traditional garb of men. Flip through our favourite boyish picks and see how to do menswear in true Saint Laurent style.

Shop the guide now! »

By Sarah Casselman and Susie Sheffman

From swinging ’60s to cowgirl chic, the hot looks
and perfect pieces you need for fall.

View the runway report now »

View by trend: Colour | Strict Rules | Tux Luxe | Flash Mob | Mod Squad
True Grit | Geometry Class | Accessories

Canadian-born supermodel Linda Evangelista once said she’d never wake up for less than $10,000 a day. Now, she’s asking for $46,000 a month—in child support. The father of Evangelista’s four-year-old son, Augustin, is François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of the luxury conglomerate PPR, which owns Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. His family is worth an estimated $11.5 billion, while Evangelista is worth about $8 million.

How can Evangelista justify demanding such a large sum? While Pinault and his wife, Salma Hayek, have a daughter, Valentina, on whom Pinault spends about $50,000 a month for a $12-million estate held in trust in her name, he hasn’t paid Evangelista any support for Augustin.

Each year, $80,000 of Evangelista’s child support would go towards 24-hour nannies and $175,000 would go towards former police-detective drivers. New York Support Magistrate Matthew Troy was sympathetic to both the nanny and driver costs, but immediately nixed the $7,500 Evangelista was seeking for monthly vacation expenses.

Now, we wait for the verdict. Will Evangelista win as Pinault fights to keep as much of his fortune as possible? Either way, it looks like it’s going to cost the fashionable CEO a pretty penny.

Elie Saab’s first scent, juicy blush made for sunkissed skin, lip tints that taste like beach cocktails, and more »

By Allyssia Alleyne and Lauren Chan

Last Wednesday marked the launch of The Peacock Parade, the Canadian response to American flash-sale websites like Gilt Group. Though we’re itching to scour the site for deals, it’s by no means the only place to get your fashion fix online. Check out some of the best Canadian online shopping destinations. You may never schlep out to the mall again.

Address: thepeacockparade.com
Hometown: Toronto
Customers: Members of the flash-sale website; shoppers who love designer labels and home-grown Canadian brands.
Brands: High-end celeb favourites like Black Halo, Cynthia Rowley, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Bonus: Members can sample designer pieces created exclusively for the Peacock Parade, by renowned Canadian designer brands such as Jenny Bird, Biko Jewellery, C’est Jol!, and Claudia Accessories.

View our favourite moments from the Fall 2011 Paris collections now »

Your all-access pass to the Fall 2011 collections—the gossip, new obsessions, parties, famous faces, and more.

View our favourite moments from the Fall 2011 collections now »

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We didn’t think it was possible to rival the buzz around the royal nuptials (or the buzz around the royal visit, either), but this weekend in Europe, a double wedding of sorts pegged supermodel Kate Moss and former Olympic athlete Charlene Wittstock against Kate and Will in the battle for the biggest wedding of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about Mosstock and the wedding we like to call the Monaco Magnificence.

Moss married Jamie Hince of the Kills on July 1, at St. Peter’s Parish in Southrop. Confirming rumours, the supermodel made a controversial decision by wearing a custom-made sheer, bias-cut John Galliano dress, while Hince opted for a couple of Yves Saint Laurent tuxedos by Stefano Pilati. After the ceremony, the couple hosted a weekend-long reception at Moss’s nearby home. The fashionable guests included Anna Wintour, Jude Law, and Daphne Guinness, as well as a surprise appearance by Galliano (what was on his acid tongue, we would love to know). Stella McCartney also designed three outfits for the bride, including the white pantsuit she sported as she left for her honeymoon on a helicopter. Very Bianca Jagger, if we may say so.

Wittstock chose an off the shoulder, beaded Armani Privé gown for her big day. The ceremony took place at the medieval palace of Monaco and was said to be more formal than Moss’s the day before. Naomi Campbell managed to make it to both events, with outfit changes to boot. Karl Lagerfeld, on the other hand, chose to attend the royal affair, as did Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and Karolina Kurkova. Despite the gossip that Wittstock attempted to leave her fiancé, Prince Albert of Monaco, after learning of his third illegitimate child, the event went on as planned and ended with a heartfelt speech from the prince to his new wife.

FHM apologizes for making fun of androgynous model, Andrej Pejic. [The Cut]

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]