Donatella Versus...

Back in 1989 Donatella Versace started designing a ready to wear collection called Versus that was controlled by her brother, the late Gianni Versace. In 2005 the line folded in the hopes of cutting costs and scaling back.

However, Versus is back. Donatella has designed a new line for Fall/Winter 2009 and it will show at this years Milan Fashion Week. Donatella describes the line as "very rock 'n roll sexy…the collection reflects Versus' DNA and is aimed at young people who want to dress with their own style but like to evolve and break new ground."

The line can also be purchased at Versace's Milan showroom.

Photo provided by Google Images.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Stammering Stunner

Canadian model Jessica Stam is the new face of Fendi's Fall/Winter 2009 campaign. The ads were shot by Karl Lagerfeld and will hit magazine stands later this summer.

I covet these shoes <3: The last shot screams Chanel! Is Karl mixing up his fashion houses in his old(er) age?

Photos provided by The Fashion Spot.
Writer: Kate Murphy

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein has done it again!

The famous designer has added to his long list of sexy/controversial advertisments with his Fall/Winter 09 underwear campaign starring actors Eva Mendes and Jamie Dornan.

"I loved shooting with Steven [photographer Steven Meisel], and we had a great time on set with Jamie."

The ads will start running this summer.

Photos provided by LA Times.

Writer: Kate Murphy

MANGO MODEL

Scarlett Johansson is the new face of Mango for their Fall/Winter 2009-10 advertising campaign. She takes over the Barcelona-based company from her "Vicki Christina Barcelona" co-star Penelope Cruz.

Mango described Scarlett as: "extraordinary personality, fun, young. She's Mango's ideal urban woman, independent and cosmopolitan."

Here are some behind the scenes shots of the photoshoot. Scarlett even sports a wig for the shoot.

The images were shot in Los Angeles by Mario Sorrenti and will be in magazines this summer.

Photos provided by WWD.

Writer: Kate Murphy

Burberry Beauty

Harry Potter's Emma Watson is the face of Burberry's Fall/Winter '09-10 collection. The ads were shot by Mario Testino in Westminster, England near Burberry's global headquarters.

Watson is seen modelling the iconic British brand's staples such as scarves, trench coats and handbags. Joining Emma in the ads are fellow British actors and models, including Tom Guiness, Tom Hughes and Charlie France. Burberry's creative director Christopher Bailey said he "felt Emma would be strong enough to hold the campaign as the only girl, and I loved the idea of her being surrounded by these young, cool British guys.”

Bailey went on to say that they chose Emma as the line's new face to “reinforce the brand’s rich heritage”. He said that “having known and admired the lovely Emma Watson for some time, she was the obvious choice for this campaign. Emma has a classic beauty, a great character and a modern edge. Her charm and intellect and brilliant sense of fun made the whole shoot feel like a picnic on the Thames.”

“I wanted the images to represent both the rich history and the modernity of the Burberry brand whilst at the same time reflecting a quiet beauty, timelessness and strength that is particularly significant today.”

The ads will hit magazines this summer.

Photos provided by FabSugar.

Quotes from WWD.

Writer: Kate Murphy

LG Fashion Week - Lundstrom

LG Fashion Week - Gaudet

Fall/Winter 2009 Collections

One of the most star studded fashion shows at this years Paris Fashion Week was courtesy of Stella McCartney. Sure it helps when your father is a a rock 'n' roll God, but Stell McCartney sure has created a name for herself within the fashion world.

Stella McCartney's Fall/Winter 2009 Collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week. McCartney's signiture looks (oversized blazers, slip style cocktail dresses, detailed tailoring, smoothe curves, and her beloved jumpsuits) were front and centre on the catwalk. McCartney certainly has become confident in her designs and it can be seen during the show. Models were given permission to smile and have fun, something that is usually frowned upon in Paris (Karl Lagerfeld is dying right now!).

McCartney's clothes are always sexy, powerful yet feminine. The lingerie inspired collection used opacity, lace, transparency and spaghetti straps to show off a woman's silhouette. The lace "is nice to remind you there's a human element underneath the clothes, nice to get skin," McCartney told reporters backstage. "It's a nice way of finding femininity and sensuality and delicacy, but when it's black lace, there's something a little edgy about it, as well." When asked if nighty dresses are wearable Stella coyly replied "for some people, I think definitely".

Other eye popping pieces include a great purple glam rock faux leather jacket, a structured gray oversized blazer, and the accessories, something that has been a challenge for McCartney in the past. Accessories are usually a designers go-to moneymaking staple because of the luxury and accessibility of the products. But Stella manages to stay true to her beliefs of not using any fur or leather in her collection, a clear by-product of her late mothers influence upon her. This creates a challenge of trying to sell her accessories to the mass public who associate fur and leather with status and money. On the positive side, when other designers such as John Galliano and Christian Lacroix have to deal with PETA representatives and staged protesters, McCartney manages to avoid such negative publicity.

"I'd like to give women something they get noticed in but won't be overwhelmed by," McCartney told reporters backstage. And that is the genius of Stella McCartney. The woman wears the clothes, the clothes don't wear the woman.

Here are some of our favourites from the collection.

Click here for more from Stella's collection.

Click here to watch the fashion show and here to hear what Stella herself has to say.

Writer: Kate Murphy