Fashion Week oh so quietly kicked off yesterday with presentations by Noonoo Lyons, Organic by John Patrick, Alice Ritter and then, before Lacoste's Sleigh Bells concert at Rose Bar, a showing of RJ Cutler's short Rag & Bone documentary.
The director, depending on who's asked, is best known for The September Issue and The War Room and he spoke enthusiastically of the busy three days of filming leading up to David Neville and Marcus Wainwright's AW10 show last February. He mentioned their inability to sit still and then enthusiasm with which their team worked on the collection.

In fact, he mentioned he'd like to do it again, and so would David. But Marcus, who personally thanked the director for editing out a few choice words spoken under pressure, wasn't thrilled about the prospect of a sequel even though the audience was left wanting more. Check it out, above.

 

 New York Fashion Week's main event may have relocated to Lincoln Center, but everyone knows that the real fun starts after hours. Gone are the days when recession blues forced designers (even Marc Jacobs!) to hack their parties in half or cancel them all together. This year, they're revving up the glitz and glamour, plus adding a surprise roster of haute musical performances that include New York indie rockers and shaggy-haired rock'n'roll legends. Below, a round-up of the most anticipated fashion week parties, from the frivolous to the fabulous. 

9.9.10 Chanel's Soho Re-Opening
Dinner and drinks is a classic combination, but when Karl Lagerfeld hosts his celebration of the re-opening of Chanel's Soho boutique, it's bound to become an eccentric evening. Alexa Chung will man the DJ deck while a slew of models stir cocktails and, rumor has it Baptiste Giabiconi actually sings — all before the Lagerfeld accepts the Fashion Visionary Award from the Couture Council the next day. 

9.11.10 Alexander Wang's Carnival
The 2010 CDFA award-winner's set a high party bar. He has to beat last September's Courtney Love-in-a-gas-station bash and should be able to with a hush-hush affair that sounds like an East Berlin rave: a carnival-themed tent at Chelsea's Edison Parking lot, louche fare, and a rumored musical performance by a certain Sri Lankan singer.

9.11.10 John Varvatos
The menswear designer's annual after party at his Bowery store doubles as an epic rock concert, with Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Cherie Currie and others expected to pay homage to the former CBCG space with live performances. 

9.12.10 Tommy Hilfiger's 25th Anniversary
The iconic American designer pulls out the big guns for his extravagant 25th anniversary bash, held at the Metropolitan Opera House. Expect The Strokes on stage live, crooning to the industry's most established names. 

9.13.10 Marc Jacobs After-party
Seriously, what can this man not do? With a slew of boutiques, a just-opened bookstore and plans for an upcoming restaurant, the fashion crown prince of New York might wield the hottest VIP ticket in town — even without Gaga's help. 

9.15.10 Proenza Schouler
Like high school, the cool kids always win. The designer duo's film of their Fall 2010 collection, directed by Harmony Korine, has already made waves online, offering a glimpse into their impossibly hip after party to be held at the revamped, Paul Sevigny-blessed Don Hills.

—Youyoung Lee

Stefano Pilati's coveted YSL Manifesto hits New York's streets next week, September 14th and then London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beirut on the 18th.

It's the seventh edition shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin starring Daria Werbowy, just like their AW10 ad campaign but with an added bonus. Aside from the expected tote (over half a million will be given away) the first 2000 or so people to snag a manifesto will get a Pilati designed wristlet. Those witnessing the giveaways are encouraged to send in photos (and videos if a flipcam's handy) to the Manifesto website, here.

 There are about a million designer to keep track of this season, here are six new one's who've earned extra attention. {NewYorkTimes} 

Would you wear a scented necklace? The one at left holds an In Fiore scent. {StyleCaster} 

Though it's been talked about for almost a month, CNN's announced that America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan will take over for Larry King next January. {NewYorkDailyNews} 

As part of the ongoing battle between the Journal and the Times, the former will launch a book review section within the next few weeks. {TheObserver}

 ELLE TV just started airing Premium Vintage and its host, Andrea Grove, is off to Brimfield, MA to scour one of the biggest flea markets in the world. The market attracts design teams from Vena Cava, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and more — so if you're headed to Massachusettes instead of Lincoln Center here are a few shopping tips to from Andrea.

1. Plan your outfit well. Fancy dressing rooms don't exist at flea markets, so keep in mind what you're shopping for when putting on that initial layer. Wear an easy dress if you're in the market for skirts and pants, since you can just slip them on underneath. Layer with a little motorcycle jacket and flat boots in case the temperature changes throughout the day and if you'd rather try clothes on over what you're wearing, skinny jeans are best. 2. Take cash and and play with prices. No two vendors are the same, but most aren't set up to take credit cards and may not take checks. Don't be shy when buying— it's typical to offer them less than what they're asking, especially if you're buying more than one item. Not everyone will make a deal, but it's worth a try! 3. Shop for the Cinderella fit. You can always alter something if you love it, but clothes that fit well will make you look less retro and more runway. There's nothing like slipping into an amazing floor-length denim dress circa 1969 and zipping it up to find that it fits like a glove — which makes it look more Ralph Lauren circa 2010. 4. Carry a big tote. It's much easier and greener to carry all your scores in one big carryall. 5. Pace yourself. There will be a lot of great things to buy, and you don't want to come up short at the end of the day with no ATM in sight when the vintage gods shine down on that perfect wool military blazer! &mdashAndrea Grove

The Michael Bastian for GANT collection may be one of the most anticipated of the week.  After years of stealing their boyfriend's Bastian, the girls are getting their own line and the short film above, A Love Story, provides the first glimpse of that line.  The full collection drops on September 15th and if those lace elbow patches are any indication of what's to come it was worth the wait.

Who: Lisa Mettier

What: Offset the romance of a lace top with menswear-inspired pants.

Wear: vintage top, belt and sunglasses, Zara pants, Ferragamo shows, Topshop bag

Photo: Courtney D'Alesio

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Name: Madisyn Ritland

How long have you been modeling? I went to Paris on my 18th birthday with my family. On the last day of our short trip I met with an agency. By the end of that first week I had started the summer, begun my love affair with Paris, started my "legally" adult life, and entered the world of modeling as I now know it. It was a very complete moment and having my family close by all the while made it that much more personally significant.

First job?  My first job I can remember was for a local Chanel show. The Palm Beach Chanel store hosted fashion lunches for loyal customers. I can remember being so utterly and completely nervous for the casting. I spent all night before watching video of the real Chanel show as preparation and I remember thinking that this local show was the biggest deal ever, it never occurred to me that I would be walking in the Grand Palais after a few years.

Favorite job?  Is usually the one I'm currently on. If the whole crew is turned on by the concept any job can be exciting. However I'd have to say walking for Alexander McQueen and being invited to shoot Rodarte's art book with designers Kate and Laura and artist Catherine Opie are two days I'll never forget and truly special moments I continue to be inspired by.

What else have you done? Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, Chanel, Valentino, YSL and I've shot an Alberta Ferretti campaign with Steven Meisel and Alex White.

Favorite city? It’s not just one but rather how they complement each other; the inspiration that is Paris, the breath and life of New York, the adventure of Hong Kong, the history of London, and the natural balance of my home town in Colorado.

Favorite part of NYC? I love that anything you could ever want or need is within walking distance and open all day.

Good old Vaseline is celebrating its 140th year, and despite all of the new products in the market, the petroleum jelly’s popularity still reigns strong. We all know that it hydrates lips and your super dry spots, but it has many other surprising beauty uses.

Our Fave Five: 

The Lash Factor: Protect your eyelashes during a brow waxing by covering in Vaseline before the wax is applied.
A Whole New Shade: Mix a drop of Vaseline with powder blush or eye shadow to make it a creamy long-lasting version.
Lip-licking goodness: Sprinkle your favorite powdered drink into a little Vaseline to create a yummy flavored lip gloss.

Hue Knew? Apply Vaseline to your hairline before getting hair colored, to protect skin from the chemicals in the colorants.
Scrub a dub: Exfoliate lips by applying a thin layer of Vaseline and brush with a toothbrush. 
 


—Beth Cohen

When Tom Ford's "Cocktail Party" popped up on New York Fashion Week's official schedule, hearts sped up a bit. 

It's too late to celebrate his lipstick collection, and it sounds like it's too early to celebrate the release of his first nail color — aptly named Black Orchid and pictured at left, thanks to nail goddess Sophy Robson.  Which means there's really only one other option: a celebration of his hugely anticipated women's collection.

While it hasn't been confirmed, it does sound like he'll present a very edited selection of dresses (we assume?) at the "low-key" party. 

Meanwhile, Olivier Theyskens is definitely showing his forthcoming collection for Theory.  Though we're desperately impatient for Theyskens to produce his own collection, his presence in New York is welcome and the thought of actually wearing his clothes even more so.

Who: Zuzanna Krzatala

What: Offset earthy tones in your ensemble with a bright orange bag.

Wear: vintage shirt and shoes from Poland, Urban Outfitters shoes, Prada bag

Photo: Rachel Scroggins

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Who: Quinn Cooper

What: A sheer dress layered over a striped one creates a subtle pattern.

Wear: Zara striped dress, Clu sheer dress, vintage belt, Zara sandals, Alexander Wang bag

Photo: Kate Lord

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Today Kylie Minogue premiered the video of her second single from Aphrodite, “Get Outta My Way,” the rock-em-sock-em disco ode to sexual revolution (or, making your boyfriend jealous).

Surrounded, as she always is, by half-naked men, Kylie writhes on a dance floor lit with interactive system designer Frieder Weiss's motion sensor projections and grabs the spotlight with a pair of custom leather gloves fitted with LEDs. She also sports a gold chain dress by New York power-fashion duo The Blonds (see their Fall 2010 runway collection here, and ELLE’s exclusive photos here), heels by Christian Louboutin, and one mean looking set of The Blonds' spiked knuckle dusters.

Just in case you don't take her seriously when she sings, "Get outta my way!"

—Nojan Aminosharei

Simon Doonan's leaving The Observer for Slate.  As long as we can read his missives somewhere! {BusinessInsider}

If you're still looking for the perfect watch for fall — the more menswear like the better — get thee to Henri Bendel for their limited Timex run. {FashionStyleBeauty}

Mickey Drexler seriously beat Karl Lagerfeld on Vanity Fair's list of the 100 Most Influential People.  But does he have a lego bear in his likeness?   {VanityFair}

There's royalty in Francisco Costa's future.  {Fashionista}

If you're iffy on the red lip, here's your chance to test it out. {Sephora}

The fashion industry's interest in the environment has grown exponentially in the past few years, along with the rest of the world's, and the best way to get them, and everyone else, to pay attention to yet another problem is with something pretty -- it doesn't hurt if it's particularly clever, too.

So when Michael Ian Kaye, the graphic designer behind now iconic images like Kate Spade's bubbly logo and the cover of Chuck Palahnuk's Fight Club, learned about "fracking" he got to work.

What's fracking? Technically it's called Hydraulic Fracturing and it's the process of extracting natural gas from underground rocks using chemicals that contain toxins like carcinogens and heavy metals. The short story is it's horrible for both the environment and a person's health. When Kaye saw Josh Fox's Gasland at Sundance (in particular a scene in which a man lights the water streaming from his kitchen faucet on fire with a match), he felt compelled to do something, and Frack Off Now was born.

The non-profit's aiming to bring attention to the alarmingly common practice with things like safety matches, pictured above, and short films, seen here.  Check out their site for more information — and for your own safety matches!

Who: Arianna Ward

What: Style a simple tank dress with a patterned belt.

Wear: Arianna Ward dress and bag, vintage belt, Kelsi Dagger shoes, Banana Republic sunglasses

Photo: Edward Le Poulin

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Name: Sofie Schwensen
Age: 19
Home: Denmark
Agency: Union Models
How long have you been modeling? Six months.
First job? Working for Danish designer Gudrun & Gudrun.
Favorite job? Shooting American ELLE!
What are you excited to buy for fall? The highest heels I can find!
Favorite city? Tokyo
Best part of NYC? I've only been once, but I can't wait to go back!
Favorite TV show? American Idol
What was the last concert you went to? It was a Danish singer named Medina.

Rem D. Koolhaas, the Pritzker Prize winning architect, is also  half of the brains behind United Nude shoes (the other half is Galahad Clark, yeah, of those Clark's). When we got a sneak peek of their new Ultra Loop bootie, made entirely from carbon fiber, we had to ask Rem a few questions.

ELLE: Do you start with the design or the materials first?
In this case, we knew what shape we wanted to make and knew that we could only use carbon fiber, as no other material would be strong enough. We used ultra strong carbon fiber to enable an extreme heel construction. Mostly our design and shape come first and then we list our options and choose. The design is based on a simple concept of penetration: a floating foot-bed slips through a sexy loop, functioning as both heel and upper.

ELLE: How do you approach combining the two?
We figure out the benefits and limitations of each material first. Sometimes we choose the material first and then make a design guided by the material and its behavior. United Nude products are about clear concept, elegance and innovation.

ELLE:  What’s the most challenging part of building a shoe?
It's funny that you say it like that and for us it's the right way to say it. A shoemaker or shoe designer wouldn't say to construct a shoe, but to make a shoe. The most challenging is to build something that is original, elegant, and comfortable and to be able to produce it for a fair price. Like everything else in life, it's all about balance. United Nude wants to operate as a design company in this way, with specific projects and collaborations as opposed to seasonal ranges with a fashion direction.

ELLE:  Have you ever walked around in your heels to make sure they’re comfortable?
I tried a size 43 Sharpei boots that we made especially for a friend. I think without any high heel experience anyone suffers. To ensure the comfort of our shoes we have a series of size 38 fitting models, including my wife.

ELLE:  Would you be surprised to hear of people buying your shoes as a piece of artwork?
I'm always flattered when this happens as it sometimes does.

The Art Nouveau movement began in Europe at the end of the 19th century and remained in favor until around 1910; it represented a radical point of departure from the sobriety and technical formality that had come to define earlier European jewelry.

This new era in design popularized “organic” style, meaning it referred to accurate renderings of objects found in nature. It also marked the beginning of the use of the natural female form in jewelry. The pendant at left is a perfect example of classic, immediately identifiable Art Nouveau work.

It betrays all of the classic Art Nouveau leitmotifs: floral accents, delicate enamel work, and a central focus on the female form. The idea of woman physically intertwined with nature is perfectly executed in this late 19th century piece.

For more on this Art Noveau pin, visit the CIRCA blog.

—Kate Davidson Hudson