Runway beauty
MANILA, Philippines - Tom Ford hit it big with his own cosmetics line and it looks like all-American designer Michael Kors wants in. This August, Kors will present three collections for his makeup line: Sexy, Sporty and Glam. “In a strange way, the Michael Kors woman really is all three of those things — it’s just that she feels more strongly about one of them at certain given times. So I asked myself, how can we express that both with color and with fragrance?†he told WWD. The line will not carry basics, like mascara and foundation, but instead, will feature lip lacquers lip glosses, nail polish, bronzers, after-sun creams, shimmer body oil and self-tanners. Three fragrances will also accompany the cosmetics line: Sport Citrus, Sexy Amber and Glam Jasmine. It’s all very Kors, isn’t it? The collection will be available in a year-long exclusive with Macy’s in the US, and at Michael Kors stores worldwide.
Levi’s X libby
For the first time ever, American denim label Levi’s partnered up with another label for their womenswear line. The brand will debut a selection of denim separates featuring 15 pieces, like their 501 shorts, a trucker jacket and boyfriend jeans featuring two new prints by Liberty of London. The prints were created exclusively for the partnership. “It’s been such an inspiring creative process to share our American heritage and perspective with this quintessential British brand to create a collection that is feminine and whimsical with a modern edge,†said Jenny Carlin, Levi’s senior designer. While Ed Burstell, Liberty London managing director, told Vogue, “We are honored to be the first brand Levi’s has partnered with on their women’s line and can’t wait to have the collection swinging in our store.†The collection will land in select Levi’s stores worldwide in early May. It will also be available online at liberty.co.uk and levi.com next month.
School’s in
Just when students are eagerly closing their books in this side of the world, in the UK, they can’t wait to get their notebooks and pens out for Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design, which opened last April 15. The school welcomed its first batch of students who hail from 23 different countries for its 10-week Vogue Fashion Certificate course. Although the college accepted applications from 45 countries, they do not charge higher fees for international students — good news for us. “Condé Nast is well placed to enter the field of education, with the considerable authority and expertise vested in the Vogue brand,†said Nicholas Coleridge, president of Condé Nast International and managing director of Condé Nast Britain. “We are delighted to welcome our first students to our international college, and to assist in creating the next generation of talent in the fashion industry.â€
Royal wasp
British designer Daniella Helayel, the creative force behind Issa London (aka Kate Middleton’s favorite dress designer) has created a 40-piece collection for American retailer Banana Republic, which debuted last Aug. 13. Inspired by the brand’s “safari heritage†(Banana Rep? Safari heritage? Really?), the range contains “the spirit of an exotic journey,†Helayel told Vogue. “Issa London’s effortlessly chic style complements our global Banana Republic consumer who is on-the-go and needs to transition her look seamlessly from day to night,†said Simon Kneen, Banana Republic’s creative director and executive vice president of design. Expect Issa’s signature bright wrap dresses and kimono-style cover-ups, combined with exotic animal prints and African-inspired accessories. The range will be stocked in 700 international stores, as well as online at bananarepublic.gap.com.