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Behind the Scenes

Our new video campaign, ‘YOUphoria,’ is about clothes that let you be yourself and live life to the fullest—whether that means nailing a presentation at work, having an amazing night out with friends…or rocking a dirt bike in five-inch heels.

Re-live the fun time we had on-set with the photos below, and find some YOUphoria of your own in the Savvy Department.


We filmed at the idyllic Tresch Family Farm in Petaluma, California.


Our model, Bijon, was a natural at motorsports. She learned to ride that morning!


The locals crowded around to see what all the commotion was about.


Hair and makeup—out of the back of a van.


Getting the extras to line up was a bit like herding cats.


Ready to roll. Out of the way, tattooed crew guy.


Left: Chilling (literally) between takes—the temp was a frigid 34 degrees to start the day!
Right: Catching a ride to the next location.


We can’t recall her name, but this farm dog was extremely popular.


The set-up used to capture those smooth, panning shots.


Mmmmm, Jimmy Choos. And that’s a wrap!

Check out these behind-the-scenes shots from the making of the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring 2013 campaign—starring South African model Katryn Kruger and German beauty Franzi Mueller—then watch the final video below.

Alicia Keys took a break from her “Set the World on Fire” tour to debut her Reebok Classic Freestyle wedge sneakers at Nordstrom at The Grove in Los Angeles. Extra co-host Maria Menounos hosted a Q&A with Alicia during the launch party, where customers had the chance to hear from her about her Reebok collaboration, her style inspirations, her personal sneaker collection and more. Here are some excerpts from the event:

Reebok ‘Freestyle Hi Wedge A. Keys’ Sneaker in Tech Red & White/Aviator Blue (Nordstrom Exclusive).

Maria Menounos: Tell me what it feels like to have your own shoe line.

Alicia Keys: It feels really cool. I’ve got to say, I don’t know if you guys know, but I’m actually a sneaker fanatic, and growing up, it was always about how I could match my sneakers with everything, with my jacket and with my hair ties in my hair. Sneakers have always been a big part of my culture and my life. Growing up in the city, you wear sneakers because you have to walk everywhere and you go everywhere on the train. When I was younger, I would always be like “If these were mine, I’d make them this color and that color and match them with this.” It was really cool to actually make them.

Maria (pictured right): Why did you decide to partner with Reebok?

Alicia: I’ve been really blessed to work with Reebok, and I love them. I think culturally, as a company, they have the right type of attitude and the right type of style. They are timeless. They’ve been around for a really long time, which is incredible. The inspiration for my spring collection came from what Reebok calls their Freestyle, but when I was young, I called them the 5411s, because after tax, they cost $54.11. I wanted to evolve the Freestyle, and that’s what we’re introducing first. Reebok as a company really wants to live with passion—they want to live with fire—and that really resonates with me. Not only have I been connected to them since I was a kid but also now that I’m getting to know them, work with them. I really see just the culture of the company, and it has a really powerful message.

Reebok ‘Freestyle Hi Wedge A. Keys’ Sneaker in Black/Pink/Yellow/White, (Nordstrom Exclusive).

Maria: Talk about the creative process—what was that like for you?

Alicia: The creative process was so much fun! How great it is to have another outlet of creativity and be able to explore different ways to bring that out? We created a first line with no wedge in it, and that was a way for us to get introduced to each other. So on this next wave, we’ve just been having a ball. It’s very hands-on, something I enjoy doing. They send me these huge papers and we go through them a hundred times to make sure we love them before we put them into production. So it’s been really fun to work on.

Maria: Tell me about how many pairs of sneakers you own.

Alicia: I think I have a lot of sneakers, but not as many as my husband. It’s a competition in the household, and he might have me beat on sneakers, but I do have a lot of pairs. I am a sneaker girl. I love them. I don’t know if I’ve ever counted them.

Maria: Where does your style inspiration come from?

Alicia: My style inspiration comes from everywhere. I think there’s definitely a combination from growing up in New York and stomping the pavement. There is definitely a toughness that I like a lot. And then obviously becoming a woman and really appreciating my womanhood and femininity. So my style kind of emerges from those two. There is always going to be a bit of a tough element and also a sweet or sensual element to it as well. I really like it when they collide, as it feels exactly like who I am.

Maria: What was your favorite show or city you played and why?

Alicia: Each one is different. Each night is different. Each energy is different. We performed here [in L.A.] two nights ago, and the energy was just ridiculous, that’s for sure. One of the cities that I really love a lot is Lisbon, Portugal. Something about the energy, the people. It was my first time there, so it was seeing a new place with old history. It was just really cool.

The Reebok Classic Freestyle Wedge A. Keys Collection will be available exclusively in the BP. Shoes department at select Nordstrom stores and online.

−John Bailey

Junya Watanabe is never one to issue show notes or comment in depth about his collections. It’s an elusiveness that allows for his original designs to tell a story of their own. For Fashion Week ’13, the Tokyo-based designer (and former Comme des Garçons protégé) presented a look that revealed the evolution of the motorcycle jacket, proving that when it comes to street chic, he’s in a master class of his own.

We wandered Watanabe’s Paris showroom in the Place Vendôme, with the latest collection’s one-of-a-kind structures, supple leathers (real and faux) and hardware accents right at our fingertips.


For fall ’13, the designer collaborated with Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe, with the following fruits of labor: a biker dress (above), a jacket and a shoulder bag made in three shapes. Designed by Watanabe, the pieces shown on the runway were arranged by Loewe in celebration of “The Year of Spain in Japan.”


The black bags (above) were designed by Watanabe and made in Loewe’s factory from soft, supple leather and come in a chic rounder shape—something we’re sure you’ll get carried away with come fall.

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

On Day 8 of Paris Fashion Week, we found Jason Wu hosting a cocktail soirée in one of the chicest boutiques in the City of Light, the Montaigne Market. A selection from his spring/summer ’13 collection was artfully displayed in the window, providing the perfect attraction to lure the fashion pack inside. Upon entry, we immediately spotted the gorgeous Karlie Kloss chatting with the designer, who she says is a very close friend.

Wu certainly picked the perfect location for his fashion fête, considering that his spring collection was inspired by a Helmet Newton retrospective that ran last year at the famed Grand Palais in Paris.

We didn’t leave the party empty-handed, either: Each guest walked away with a scented candle from Wu’s line.

We spotted these two clean Wu looks at the event—we can’t wait to try them out!

Jason Wu Leather & Lace Racerback Shell & Tiered Leather Skirt

 

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

Fashion Week photographers are usually seen crunched together at the end of a runway, all vying for the perfect shot. They may not appear to have the most glamorous job, but the photographers are the ones who truly have the inside access to not only the top shows but also to the models, elite editors and celebrities, all of whom want their pictures taken.

We asked Ford Leland—a Paris-based, American-born editor and photographer who’s shooting for us at Paris Fashion Week ’13—to provide some commentary on his bird’s-eye-view of the scene at Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall show.

One of my favorite things about Gaultier is that every single collection of his is a joy to photograph. Though his shows usually include a classic runway walk, his inspiration is always displayed through an elaborate combination of location, set design, styling and runway choreography.

This season, he chose to show at one of his classic locations from decades past, the Salle Wagram in Paris’ 17th arrondissement—a perfect complement to his retro-themed exploration of motorcycle jackets, armor, and graphic prints. Leather, fur and metals fused together in looks that referenced his days of dressing Madonna. My favorite compositions from the Gaultier runway are a true treat for the eyes—check them out below and then read on to see who I met backstage!

Joan Smalls, the #1 ranked model in the world, throws me a flirty glance from the catwalk.

After the show, I bumped into Coco Rocha backstage, who had just arrived in Paris four hours prior. Even under the stress of transatlantic jet lag, she was amiable and happy to share her thoughts on the first Parisian catwalk she’d attended as an audience member.

“I loved it, and I thought [the pieces were] very wearable. There were a lot of pieces I would wear as either an off-duty or on-duty model; it was very exciting to watch. Seeing it from this side of the runway just made me fall in love with Gaultier even more.”

Lloyd Simmonds, makeup creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, was also at the after-show cocktail party and filled me in on how he designed a look to match Gaultier’s powerful collection. “The focus of the makeup was beautiful, fresh skin, which was accompanied by a strong brow to create a slightly boyish look.”

After talking with Lloyd, I found Coco again, hanging out with her friends Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne (center), the latter of whom had just walked in the show.

On my way out the door, I ran into Shena Moulton, who I saw yesterday out causing trouble at a street market (read more). She was beaming because she’d just received one of the gift bags from the show, containing a bottle of Gaultier’s Classique Eau de Toilette Natural Spray Perfume. Seeing her smile was the perfect end to my fifth day of Paris Fashion Week ’13.

Yesterday, we spotted runway regulars Nana Keita (left) and Shena Moulton walking in Rick Owens’ fall ’13 show; today, the two fashion partners in crime were found off duty, causing a commotion at a street market in the Mairie de Paris in the 4th arrondissement.

It’s not hard to see why these two beauties are adored for their style both on and off the runway.

Mixing Business with Pleasure: Nana and Shena are both signed with Muse Model Management. From New York to Paris, the BFF’s have walked for some of the biggest names in fashion. “We really support each other,” says Nana, who originally hails from Mali. “Shena just got confirmed for Jean Paul Gaultier this evening, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Shena shared a similar sentiment for Nana as they browsed for gifts to take back stateside. “Fashion Week can be exhausting. I can always count on Nana to make me laugh. Her smile just perks me up.”

I’ll Never Tell: This Jamaican model graced her first runway when she was only 13 years old. “I basically kicked off my teenage years being dressed in Dior, Jil Sander and Marc Jacobs,” Shena says with a laugh. “I learned pretty quickly what works best for me, especially working with so many great designers and stylists at such a young age.” So, what’s her secret style weapon? “I wear a lot of dark colors and try to mix things up with colorful, bold rings and necklaces.”

Class Act: A model must give off some sort of star quality to be personally invited to walk in a Lanvin show. Well, when Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz first met Nana, that’s exactly what happened! “I have three seasons of Lanvin under my belt. Alber is so wonderful to me. From the clothes to the accessories, he knows how to make a girl look and feel special.”

Make the world your runway and hone in on your own Parisian chic statement with these cool pieces we spotted Nana and Shena wearing.

Kendra Scott ‘Marcella’ Reversible Statement Necklace & ‘Ruthie’ Stone Ring

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

The Jardin des Tuileries, one of the most visited gardens in Paris, provided the backdrop for the Nina Ricci fall/winter 2013 show. Upon entering the tented show space, we knew we were in for a treat as soon as we saw two Steinway concert grand pianos positioned in the center of the runway. This season, artistic director Peter Copping was inspired by the “purity and modesty that characterizes the world of dance,” which was manifested through a live musical performance by sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque.

If Copping were creating a symphony, this collection would certainly be considered his greatest masterpiece. Models glided down a fiery red runway like carefully chosen musical notes, epitomizing Parisian chic.

Vogue’s Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman (center) and Anna Wintour examine each look with purpose.

The mavens of Marie Claire: Alison Edmond (left), fashion editor-at-large, and Nina Garcia, fashion director, throw us quick smiles from the front row. “Nina Ricci is just one of those classic brands that really maintains its consistency,” said Garica after the show. “This collection was simple, elegant and wearable.”

After the show, we chatted with the British-born designer about the very functional yet delicate wardrobe he’s crafted for fall.

“I think it’s important for a woman to have a wardrobe that’s versatile,” says Copping. “In today’s show, I am sure you saw that the range went from strong eveningwear to daywear pieces. Also, I presented outerwear that included parkas, and that was kind of a new category for us. It is important for a brand to have a broad offering, and each category we do must be strong in its own right.”

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

Simplistic sophistication was on full display at the Grand Palais today, where Carven’s Guillaume Henry enlightened us with a fall fashion story that emphasized an effortless nonchalance.

Henry’s approach to women’s wear is never overthought. Backstage, we discussed his perspective on beauty and dressing for the coming season.

“This season I was inspired by an unsexy and vulnerable woman. My girl is attractive, but she’s not trying too hard. I referenced French actresses like Isabelle Adjani when she was in her 20s and Béatrice Dalle,” says Henry, who took over creative reigns of the Carven house in 2009. “Marilyn Monroe was also a muse, but as she was seen in her free time with no makeup, very carefree. She was such an iconic actress, but she craved anonymity and I love that.”

The highlight of the collection? The oversized coats, sure to provide an understated cool to winter ’13.

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

Paris may be known as the fashion capital of the world—and rightfully so—but with a unique art of their own, the city streets are stars in their own right.

Here’s a peek at the one-of-a-kind models and murals we spotted while dashing to the shows.

Models Caroline Brasch Nielsen and Fei Fei Sun (in the background) make a stylish exit.

Shhhhhhh! Spotted in the 4th arrondissement.

Runway ‘it’ girls Juliana Schurig (left) and Ashleigh Good get directions for their next show.

A tribute to Kate the Great: not just loved in London, Moss’s image commands the streets near Notre Dame.

What’s so funny? Let’s ask models Esther Heesch and Agne Konciute.

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland