Take your astrological sign off the charts and into reality by slipping into your new lucky stars: these zodiac-themed flats from the Charlotte Olympia Cosmic Collection.
DESIGNER
The latest brand/artist collaboration puts the spotlight on Romina Quirós, an Argentine illustrator whose elegant, minimal drawings appear on fall accessories from Marni. To celebrate the partnership, creative director Consuelo Castiglioni had panels featuring Quirós’s drawings installed in the company’s Milan showroom.
Quirós’s creative process is as simple as her artwork: she begins with a black blot on the page, and from there, playful characters emerge. Check out her work on this leather-trimmed iPad sleeve.
—Mary O’Regan
We chatted with the stylist-turned-designer on her new collection, wardrobe essentials and pop culture favorites.
What’s the inspiration behind your spring/summer collection?
I’m inspired by women who exemplify effortless sophistication, elegance and a touch of androgyny, like Diane Keaton, Jane Birkin and Ali MacGraw. This collection has a strong sense of effortless glamour with modern details—it’s filled with prints, texture and bright colors.
(left) Rachel Zoe sequin top and mint leather shorts | (right) mint leather jacket and striped silk pants
What’s your favorite trend for spring?
Colored leather is a must! It’s a great update to standard black and a cool new way to wear leather.
How about fall?
Equestrian details are so chic for fall. Pair riding boots with a flirty dress—it puts a classic twist on a feminine silhouette.
Name three items every woman should own.
A leather jacket, sexy nude pumps and a statement cocktail ring.
Where’s your next vacation going to be?
Malibu, and I cannot wait!
What’s your favorite movie?
I never tire of the classics: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Love Story, Klute. But I’m also a diehard Twilight fan—R. Pats is everything!
Do you watch any TV?
Every night before bed I watch an episode of Friends.
What’s on your iPod right now?
My office is basically a focus group for everything new and trending—music included. I like the Black Keys, Coldplay and Muse, along with classic rock, like Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and the Grateful Dead.
Do you have any design rituals?
Yes! I tend to get inspired in the middle of the night, so I do most of my magazine tears in bed at 2am.
Name a historical figure you’d love to meet.
Coco Chanel.
What was your very first job?
I started my career as an editor at YM magazine. From there, I went off on my own as a freelance stylist.
How has the Internet affected your design process?
Communication is faster and so much more efficient. My team and I are never working solely on one season, category or project at a time. It can get a little crazy, but I love it. And I love having so much inspiration at my fingertips.
—Mary O’Regan
Welcome to the first installment of “House Call,” a new series in which we take a peek inside the home of a Nordstrom employee. Our inaugural post takes us to the downtown Seattle condo of Denise Junell, a designer handbags buyer. Denise has worked at Nordstrom for nine years, beginning with an internship on the Bellevue sales floor. Now she’s traveling to Europe six times a year on buying trips for Lanvin, Chloé, MARC JACOBS, Gucci* and Balenciaga*. Join us as we take a look at her extensive collection of designer shoes, handbags, clothing and more.
“When it comes to my personal style, I like powerful pieces,” Denise says. “I’m not so trend-driven; I just buy what speaks to me.” Here, she’s wearing a Rick Owens leather jacket and a vintage Chanel* necklace found at Renaissance boutique in Paris.
“Most of my outfits begin with the shoes. I have 55 pairs,” she says. “Right now, I’m really into color and texture. I think that’s why I’m so attracted to Fendi shoes.”
Her latest Fendi find is this pair of peep-toe booties, which she affectionately calls her “armadillos.”
“These YSL heels have a very ‘Tron’ vibe to me,” she says. “I wear them with a feminine skirt and blouse.”
If you’re wondering who’s in the background, that’s Goblin, Denise’s 5-year-old pug/chihuahua mix.
As a designer handbags buyer, Denise’s collection is unparalleled. We spotted styles by Lanvin (pink clutch above), Gucci* (black patent leather bag) and more.
“Many people invest in black for their first Chanel* bag,” she says, “but I think red or another pop of color is a great way for the bag to have a point of view.”
“This is my Oscar de la Renta watercolor dress, worn with pink Manolo Blahnik pumps and a vintage pearl collar inherited from my grandmother. I think it’s is a great way to wear a print to work.”
Next up is a butterfly cape dress by Alexander McQueen*, paired with Chanel* heels. “This dress is from the second-to-last collection that McQueen designed before he passed in 2010. It’s definitely one of my favorite pieces.”
At left, Denise shows us a memento necklace from her first Chanel buying trip. (Note the carousel charm—the brand’s fall 2008 runway show featured models riding a giant fashion-themed carousel.) At right, she shows off a leather Balenciaga* dress: “It’s just a simple shift, but in the cobalt blue it really feels unique. And it’s fun to accessorize.”
Denise has a vast jewelry collection, stored in a tall chest of drawers. She inherited many pieces from family members and finds other accessories while traveling.
“I like the idea of a wearing a personalized element, like these Nadri initial earrings. It’s a great way to make it your own.” She’s also wearing a Tom Binns safety pin necklace and vintage Chanel jacket.
In keeping with the personalized theme, Denise has started wearing her old namesake necklace from 3rd grade again, paired with a Nadri arrow necklace.
“Even though it’s a small piece, these Chanel* earrings are one of my favorite things I own. They basically encapsulate my style in a piece of jewelry—rock-and-roll juxtaposed against a delicate, dainty drop of Chanel.”
When it comes to her makeup regimen, Denise is all about bright colors. “Eyebrows and lips are where it’s at for me. I love YSL lipstick because the pigments are really deep and saturated. Chanel has the best lip gloss and a great range of nail lacquers. I also like filling in my lips with a NARS lip pencil for a matte look.”
Many thanks to Denise for helping us kick off this feature!
*available in selected stores
-Mary O’Regan
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.
Get ready for takeoff with our hand-picked boutique of Designer Collections vacation looks—ready for wherever your travels may take you.
Roberto Cavalli Dress & Accessories | Missoni Dress & Accessories
Check out this video demonstrating the step-by-step process of assembling Marni’s coveted ‘Polka Dot’ handbag. It captures just how painstakingly handcrafted each bag is, down to the last dot.
Left to right: Marni ‘Polka Dot’ Frame Handbag (Coal/Nomad/Honey) | Marni ‘Polka Dot’ Leather Clutch | Marni ‘Polka Dot’ Frame Handbag (Coal/Lily)
Our Fashion Week coverage in New York, London and finally Paris has come to an end, but we could never say “that’s a wrap” without talking about the shoes. Click your favorite(s) to shop similar styles. Yes, please!
Sunny day, sunny smiles! These three ladies are some of my favorite fashion mavens around—Elisa Nalin, Tamu McPherson and Natalie Joos. Not only do they have amazing taste, they’re also the sweetest women in the business. They remind me what Fashion Week is really about: a love of fashion and a time to meet up with friends from around the world.
xo, Crystal
Shop similar styles:
Lace Dresses | Spring Trend: Pattern Mixing | Designer Trend: Pink Shock
Shop our Editors’ Picks to recreate this look:
Michael Kors Lace Shift Dress | Dolce&Gabbana Rose Print Skirt | Equipment V-Neck Sweater
I have to admit, I am totally taken with Coco Rocha. She’s one of my fave models of the moment, thanks to her fun personality and amazing bone structure. She always seems like she’s having a great time, so it was a pleasure to meet her and find out that she is just as charming in person.
Coco has the model style down pat: skinny jeans, sleek moto jacket, and clean layers. Keep it up, Mademoiselle Coco!
xo, Crystal
Shop similar styles:
Moto-Inspired Jackets | Trendy Necklaces | Black Skinnies
Shop our Editors’ Picks to recreate this look:
Man Repeller X PJK Moto Jacket | Topshop Collar Necklace | Burberry London Skinny Jeans
Click For More: Charlotte Olympia, DESIGNER, Designer Collections, Designer shoes, SHOES, Step It Up