Courtesy Vogue
Rodarte has been synonymous with red carpet statement making since 2005, but young Hollywood’s support is finally catapulting the niche brand into the mainstream.
Months after attending the line’s spring 2012 runway show alongside Vogue‘s Anna Wintour, Taylor Swift appears on the glossy’s February cover and in a spread comprised entirely of Rodarte (above).
James Devaney/WireImage; FameFlynet; Landov
It was only a matter of time before Hollywood caught on to fashion’s best-kept secret.
In the past month, Charlize Theron, Nicole Richie and Faith Hill have all stepped out in Antonio Berardi. First, the Young Adult star wore a modern black-and-white stunner with the label’s trademark bodice detail on Dec. 9. Weeks later, House of Harlow’s creative director eschewed her own designs in favor of the brand’s beaded leggings and oversized blazer. Then, at Wednesday’s Peoples Choice Awards, performer Faith Hill selected his magenta pantsuit.
Gwyneth Paltrow may have put the British designer on the map back in 2008 when she wore his semi-sheer lace design. “When I tried this dress on, I was amazed by the construction and the uniqueness of it,” she said at the time. “It is one of the absolute favorite dresses I have worn.” Over the years, Berardi, who was once John Galliano‘s assistant, has solidified his reputation among Hollywood’s A-list with his romantic and sensual approach to design.
Advertisement
GSI; INF; Ramey
Celebs have always looked to French label Isabel Marant for a boho take on casual dressing — hits from the past include ankle wrap “Gava” pumps and go-with-everything suede booties — but this week, the stars can’t get enough of the brand’s tribal-print separates!
On Sunday, Cheryl Cole paired $425 printed corduroy “Silo” skinnies with a cropped boucle jacket for a stylish jaunt through LAX. The next day, mama-to-be Hilary Duff topped the brand’s $1,170 georgette dress with a sculpted blazer for a visit to Good Morning America. Later that same day, Nicole Richie sported a pair of $660 “Renell” jeans with gladiator booties and all-black basics while out in L.A.
We’re thinking about adding some tribal prints to our wardrobe, but are a little sticker shy. Tell us: What do you think of stars’ new Marant tribal trend?
–Justine Harman
WEIGH IN ON MORE FASHION FADS IN: ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’
She’s rocked knee-high Sergio Rossi gladiator boots and even a white feather-laden Givenchy Haute Couture gown, but when it comes to fashion, Beyoncé is no label snob. The singer is sporting some up-and-coming designers in the artwork for her latest album, 4 — but there’s nothing under the radar about these outfits. On the album’s fold-out cover, the star wears a fox-fur stole by the cult French designer Alexandre Vauthier embellished with Swarovski crystals by the Lesage embroidery house. Inside the fold, she sports “Daisy Duke” shorts by young French designer Julien Fournié and a lemon-yellow mini-dress by fashion student Leah Rae. And for the deluxe cover (above), Beyoncé chose a purple-and-black beaded dress by French designer Maxime Simoens — who’s just 27 years old. “It was important to Beyoncé that the choice of clothing not be about the brand but about the quality of the work,” Knowles’s creative director, Jenke-Ahmed Tailly, tells the New York Times. “The album is a musical gumbo of everything Beyoncé likes. Each song really has a different personality, so we decided to do the cover like an editorial for a magazine, with each song having its own style.” But she’s not the only one in her family taking notice of budding talent. For her headlining gig at the Glastonbury Festival in England last month, the singer wore another Vauthier creation, a gold mini-dress, which the designer says was a last-minute suggestion by her husband, Jay-Z. Tell us: What do you think of Beyoncé’s fierce 4 looks? –Kim Peiffer
WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?
Advertisement
Jason Kempin/Getty, Doug Meszler/Splash News Online
There are two new names on the tips of Tinseltown tongues: those of Australian design team camilla and marc! Just last month, the brother-sister duo captured the hearts of fashionistas including Ashley Tisdale, Rachel Bilson and Hayden Panettiere, and the stars definitely did the designers proud. “She keeps the look well balanced and effortlessly chic,” Camilla Freeman-Topper tells PEOPLE of Tisdale, who paired her $460 “Blind Call” dress with a LOFT necklace. As for Bilson, “Rachel’s got something going on … her style is individual and unique. I love seeing girls take one of our pieces and make it their own,” Freeman-Topper gushes of the $690 “Equinox” frock she wore out in N.Y.C. And though Panettierre selected an overtly-feminine look, the designer thinks she perfectly accessorized the $1,010 “Cantel” mini. “Coupled with the hair, makeup and delicate shoes, Hayden made the look stylish and sophisticated,” she praises. We know Hollywood is hot for the brand, but want to know what you think. –Justine Harman
WEIGH IN ON MORE CELEB STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’
Jayme Oak/Startraks
Known for her ability to commandeer a trend faster than you can say “boyfriend jean,” Katie Holmes has lent her fashion credo to a new endeavor: purses! Partnering with luxury bag maker Valextra, and alongside style partner in crime, Jeanne Yang, Holmes has designed two versions of a luxe, calkfskin tote (pictured here in blue) for the aptly named Valextra for Holmes & Yang collection. The splurge of a bag retails at $3,950 and will also be available in white with navy or shiny black trim exclusively at Barney’s this July. Though the average customer may balk at the hefty price tag, Holmes says you are investing in the brand’s craftsmanship when you buy. “Their quality is exceptional,” she tells WWD of the Italian design house. “There’s such integrity in their work — they’re artists.” And for his part, Valextra’s CEO, Emanuele Carminati Molina, recognizes the power of Holmes and Yang as a tastemakers. “I knew that it was good for Valextra to try, and to mix our style with their style,” he says. Tell us: What do you think of Holmes’s foray into handbags? –Justine Harman
Advertisement
Ryan McCune/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa; Rick Diamond/WireImage
Study up! The new class of nominees for the Council of Fashion Designers of America 2011 Fashion Awards includes some stand-out celebrity pupils. Among the superlatives bestowed upon fashion’s new guard will be the Icon Award, to be presented to Lady Gaga for her role as a “fashion revolutionary impacting style today.” Also recognized are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, whose 4-year-old label The Row garnered them a nomination for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear. “We are particularly proud of each designer nominated for a Swarovski Award,” CFDA Vice President Nadja Swarovski said in a release. “They are the perfect example of emerging American design talent and have displayed a keen sense for the future of fashion.” Other award nominees include star-beloved designers like Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs, and Michelle Obama favorite Jason Wu. Winners will be announced at the annual CFDA gala, taking place June 6 in New York City. –Justine Harman
Advertisement
