YStyle Picks

Fake cover girl of the week: KMidd

MANILA, Philippines - In spite of Kate Middleton’s status as a fashion icon and trendsetter (come on, her wedding dress has its own Wikipedia page), she has never, ever agreed to appear on the cover of a fashion mag. But that didn’t stop Marie Claire South Arica from putting her on the cover of their August issue with a photorealistic illustration of the Duchess and the cover line “Fan Art Tribute Kate Middleton Fashion’s New Royal Icon Wears SA’s Best Local Designs*” The disclaimer on the bottom reads: “*Of course she doesn’t. But she should.” We’re pretty sure KMidd was equal parts flattered and weirded-out with a dash of “Damn, South Africa. What happened?” Then again, just imagine the fun we can have now by just shopping our favorite celebrity mugs on local glossies! We are totally stealing US Vogue’s thunder by putting Gaga on our September issues!

Dolce & Gabbana does couture

Dolce & Gabbana debuted their 73-piece Alta Moda couture collection last week to a select number of VIPs they had flown to Sicily, such as some of the world’s richest women from China, Qatar, and Russia, D&G brand ambassadors from ScarJo to Monica Bellucci, editors from various Vogues, and three newspapers — two of them Italian (it’s okay, we’re pretty sure YStyle’s invite got lost in the mail). At the show, the press were only allowed to publish select photos since D&G’s clients “do not want to see their dresses in a magazine.” Also, tweeting was banned — no wonder a fashion editor and a multi-millionairess fainted at the show. Kidding, it was due to excessive heat. According to the duo, “When we started out 27 years ago, our dream was to become a maison like Chanel, old Chanel. And now, maybe, this dream is coming true.” That sounds amazing, you guys! Please make sure our invites to the second Alta Moda presentation in Shanghai this November make it to us. Ciao, bello!

The eBay holiday collection

Mop up those tears if you can’t head Stateside for that massive Target x Neiman Marcus holiday collab because online auction site eBay has teamed up with designers Billy Reid, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Steven Alan and Tibi for the “eBay Holiday Collective.” The range will include 40 gifts from women’s and men’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, and home decor. Prices will range from $50 to $100 (no bidding — they’re all “Buy It Now”), and — get this — US and international shipping will be free! Free, I say! Merry Christmas, everyone!

The new It-bag

It’s been a while since we’ve gotten excited over a bag and with Mulberry’s new Bryn satchel hitting online and brick-and-mortar stores on the 16th, we’re hoping to stir those old feelings of longing, obsession, euphoria, followed by subsequent bankruptcy, slight buyer’s remorse, before looping back to euphoria again. Already the satchel is already being toted by Alexa Chung and Keira Knightley, which is a good thing, considering that the brand is hoping that the Bryn will attract as much attention as the Alexa. Let the torture begin.

Famous faces

It’s been 16 years since crop-topped anti-It girl Chloë Sevigny stared at Juergen Teller’s lens for Miu Miu’s spring/summer collection of ’96. Recently The Cut reported her return for the label’s spring/summer 2012 campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, “curled up in a chair drinking tea, wearing a quirky menswear-inspired outfit, teal eye shadow, and bright red lips.” In other endorser news, Avicii is the new face of Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, making this the 22-year-old Swedish D.J.’s first big fashion ad campaign in the US and after a month of speculation, H&M finally, finally confirmed that Lana del Rey was the brand’s newest face with the release of a shot from the campaign. Oh, and by the way, Choupette Lagerfeld booked an editorial alongside Laetitia Casta for V magazine. Seriously? We’re just shocked that she didn’t nab a role in George Michael’s newest music video with Kate Moss too.

Condé Nast College, building soon

There’s been a slow burn of anticipation among young fashion types since last year with the announcement of the opening of the Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design. From the appointment of Easy Living editor Susie Forbes as principal to the unveiling of its inaugural prospectus for students (a 10-week Vogue Fashion Certificate and a year-long Vogue Fashion Foundation Diploma), the world’s up-and-coming PR associates, stylists, editors, publishers, and journalists have waited with baited breath. And now, Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design has announced that it will take up residency at 16-17 Greek Street, London with architect firm Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios at the helm. “It was always my ambition to have the College located within walking distance of Vogue House, the Condé Nast headquarters, so Greek Street couldn’t be more perfect,” commented principal Forbes. The academic year kicks off in January 2013. Be still, our beating hearts.

Statement pieces

U-Boat launched its latest collection last week at Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila featuring pieces, like the Classico Golden Crown, the U-51 Gold Arrow, and the Flightdeck Titanium Gold Bezel (pictured here). The brand is well known for its line of fine Italian handcrafted watches with their signature large diameters that range from 43 mm to 53 mm — definitely not for the meek. These timeless pieces are pieced together by craftsmen in Italy under the guidance of designer Italo Fontana.