Assouline does Tommy Hilfiger

Over the last 25 years, Tommy Hilfiger’s contemporary takes on classic red, white, and blue looks—jeans, chinos, boxers, T-shirts, button-downs—have built his brand into a major force in fashion. Assisted by indelible ad campaigns, this iconic American label has become indispensable, thanks to the perseverance of one young man who, when starting out in 1985, simply wanted to create youthful, rock-inspired clothes.

On the occasion of the brand’s anniversary, this monumental edition from ASSOULINE’s Ultimate Collection reveals the work and the man, whose own life-loving philosophy is at the root of all his designs. The book uses a photo-album format to capture the essence of a designer who has never been one to put a barrier between fashion and life.

“This book is a culmination of my life’s work, sharing some of my innermost thoughts throughout the years,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “The Tommy Hilfiger brand has existed for 25 years, but I’ve been designing all my life. This book is the equivalent of me telling a friend about my family, how I got to where I am today, and where I want to go from here. My hope is that everyone has as much fun reading it as I did making it.”

The handmade 1,000 limited-edition copies, each 14 x 17 inches, feature 144 pages with more than 200 illustrations, 65 of which are tipped in by hand. The linen presentation box is offset by the symbol that has represented the all-American brand for 25 years, an embroidered flag logo highlighted by genuine gold stitching. With tributes by admirers from Anna Wintour to Quincy Jones, Tommy Hilfiger celebrates the designer’s considerable contribution to fashion, dressing people for the way they want to live their lives—freely and with style, with a nod and a wink to tradition.

Available at ASSOULINE boutiques, select Tommy Hilfiger stores, and online www.shopassouline.com

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Add To Cart: Patent Boat Shoes

[Sebago Docksides Patent Boat Shoes, $90]

Every once in a while, there's an updated twist on a tried and true classic.  Sebago's patent boat shoes are just that.  Casual and comfortable, the boat shoe should be a staple in every man's summer wardrobe.  This patent leather version adds a refined urban feel to the nautical look.  If you're looking to step up your style and keep a relaxed look on the weekends of early fall, these patent boat shoes are where it's at.

-AL

Add To Cart: Ankle Boots

New York Fashion Week is around the corner and with that comes the turn of the seasons.  This fall, ankle boots are back in full force and with so many fabulous options to choose from, we rounded up our top 3 favorites.  Checking out the Saks Fifth Avenue shoe salon, we selected some great, transitional shoes that will take you from now right into the heart of fall.

1. Kors Michael Kors Carlie Cut-Out Ankle Boots, $295

This shoe has a thick platform and stable heel.  It embraces the utilitarian trend without sacrificing the sexiness of a platform sandal.  Peep toe and cut-out sides, this shoe is great for the late summer heat and balmy days of early fall.

2. Prada Lace-Up Shoe Bootie, $830

If you bought a pair of heeled brogues last season, then you're in luck.  They're hanging on for another fall, with new colors and updated styles.  This pair by Prada has a beautiful vintage finish on the leather and a solid heel.  It's a great shoe for the working girl, who doesn't want to sacrifice high style.

3. Ash Ruched Wedge Ankle Boots, $275

Sometimes simplicity is the key to style.  A modern, sleek silhouette with distressed finishing, these ankle boots are très chic.  They also have a rubber sole, keeping you slip-free on the rainier days to come.

-AL

Spin It: Versus

Yesterday, Usher's latest album "Versus" officially dropped and we are loving it.  There's a great remastered version of "Somebody To Love" that Usher sang with Justin Bieber, among other hip-hop/R&B tracks.  But favorite song of the album is "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love (feat. Pitbull)".  Music video below:

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CK Calvin Klein Fall Campaign

Lara Stone and Abby Lee Kershaw star in the new fall ck Calvin Klein campaign, shot by Fabien Baron.  The campaign is dark, moody and edgy, rich with jewel tone hues.  

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[images via Facebook.com/CalvinKlein]

Gucci Guilty Official Trailer

Gucci is taking a new approach to fragrance promotion.  The Italian fashion powerhouse has created a film to promote their new fragrance Gucci Guilty.  Check out the trailer for the film below:

Starring Evan Rachel Wood and Chris Evans.
Directed by Frank Miller.
Soundtrack by Friendly Fires.

Also, click here to enter to win a VIP trip to the MTV VMA's and meet Evan Rachel Wood and Chris Evans for a night of Guilty Pleasures with Gucci!

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Ben Affleck Interviews Black Lively

Blake Lively covers the September issue of Interview Magazine and poses for a shoot inspired by her upcoming heist thriller The Town.  Ben Affleck directed and stars in the movie alongside Lively, so it was only appropriate that he interviewed the Gossip Girl actress.  In the feature, he comments on how comfortable she was on set and even during a sex seen between the two of them, on their first day of filming!

AFFLECK: But you have your head on pretty straight. You and I had to do a sex scene on the first day of shooting, and you were very poised and comfortable about it-more mature than some of the crew members.

LIVELY: Well, I have a big family and no one ever treated me like a child. They always treated me like an adult, like an equal. But with acting, I think half of it is just acting confident. We stand on these red carpets and pose in these dresses, but we’re all only so confident. It doesn’t mean we think we’re great looking or anything. It’s all a façade. But the sex scene was really awkward. It was my first day, so thank you for that.

AFFLECK: You’re welcome.

LIVELY: I guess it was good to break the ice. [laughs]

We love the dark edgy shoot that accompanies the story, featuring Blake looking  as sexy as one could be in an interrogation room.  Styling by Karl Templar, photos by Craig McDean.

Read the full story and see more photos from the shoot at InterviewMagazine.com.  Also, be sure to watch the photoshoot video, an added touch that brings the story to life!

-AL

Spin IT: "XXXO (feat. Jay-Z)" - MIA

At first we weren't sure how we felt about this song, but like anything that Jay-Z touches, it eventually turned to gold.  "XXXO" is MIA's latest single and has her signature sound, but the underlying track seems more dynamic that some of her older tunes.  Jay-Z's entrance during the bridge of the song is superb as well.  

-AL

[image via]

Add To Cart: AllSaints Half Sleeve Shirt

[AllSaints Half Sleeve Shirt, $110]

The latest British import to hit the shores of the US of A is AllSaints Spitafields.  I finally went down to SoHo to check out their new American flagship store and must say: I'm impressed.  What began solely as a menswear brand has now expanded to include womenswear, children's clothing, accessories and home décor.

Vintage, distressed, urban and rustic, the SoHo store is highly themed and decorated to express to the AllSaints brand.  Favorite pick of the shopping trip is this men's half sleeve shirt.  It's like a short sleeve shirt, but the cuff is that of a long sleeve shirt.  Nice slim fit and a great crosshatch, light fabric.

-AL

Ralph Lauren Riding High in Harper's Bazaar

Ralph Lauren is profiled in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, and as he prepares to unveil a new major store on Madison Avenue in New York, he proves he’s still riding high.

In the interview, Lauren discusses his career, life, and design philosophy, and reveals his plans to expand his brand.

On expanding the Ralph Lauren brand: “I always feel like I have to keep going,” says Lauren. “You can sit back and say, Maybe I can stop. But then you’re yesterday, and I love tomorrow. I love creating something and doing more things and coming up with a new concept. I love the challenge of new ideas. I like hitting different markets. I love the young market. I don’t like designing dresses, but I like designing concepts, stores. I like to open restaurants. I think I’d probably like to do a hotel. I’d like to do a movie. I don’t know if I’ll ever do them all, but maybe a few.”

His name is now synonymous with taste and affluence, but it was not an ascension that came easily: “I never went to fashion school,” he says. “I didn’t know what a designer was. I knew I had something, but I didn’t know what it was. And it could just have easily been nothing.”

Diane von Furstenberg on Ralph Lauren: “He is like a little boy in the candy store of American dreams. He had the vision of what he wanted, made it happen for himself, and makes it available for the world. His work is timeless and always cool. As a man, Ralph is generous, loving, and reliable. He will forever be the classiest American cowboy.”

Karl Lagerfeld: "Ralph gave American fashion a global image," proclaims Lagerfeld of Lauren. "He is the perfect illustration of the American dream."

Read the full story at www.harpersbazaar.com/ralph-lauren. The September issue hits newsstands August 17.

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photo credit: Mark Seliger for Harper’s Bazaar

Kim Kardashian Flaunting LARUICCI in ELLE's September Issue

Our friends at LARUICCI sent us some great shots of one of their pieces in the September Issue of ELLE Magazine.  Kim Kardashian was featured wearing a fabulous pair of LARUICCI earrings, while frolicking around with teen sensation Justin Bieber.  (PS Now that the shoot is out, the rumors of Justin and Kim together can end and Bieber fans can relax.)  Below are some close-up shots of the earrings from behind-the-scenes on set.  Are we seeing a return of big earrings?

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The Olsen Twins In Harper's Bazaar

After 24 years of growing up in front of the American public, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen now occupy an influential position in the fashion world -- and in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar the Olsen sisters open up about their successful clothing label, their dream client, and how their mother taught them to dress when they were little.

“I’d love to get Michelle Obama in the Row,” Ashley says. “The simple suits and things. It’s all made in America, so why not?”

“Remember that crazy time when all of us young girls were being followed?” Ashley says. Now that they have both moved to New York full-time, we see them less. “We’re either at home or here at the studio,” Mary-Kate notes. “I think they got bored of us.”

“When we were growing up, our mother taught us never to have your belly button exposed,” says Mary-Kate. “We’ve always been attracted to longer— “Layers, silhouettes,” Ashley says, finishing her sentence.

See more at www.harpersbazaar.com/olsensisters

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Photo credit: Heidi Slimane for Harper’s Bazaar

Add to Cart: The Snake Way Bag by Sang A

Fall is on the horizon and with it comes the need for a new handbag. Sang A makes the must-have piece for the season with her Snake Way Bag. It is a perfect mix of exotic and everyday, crafted from grey mango snake and black suede. The bag can be taken straight from day to night which is something every woman on-the-go yearns for.

Add a little luxury into your life with Sang A and show a little skin.

Sang A Snake Way Bag $2200.

-FC

Add to Cart: Sigg Heritage Gold

It is coming to light that plastic water bottles can be detrimental to our health let alone creating a lot of waste so why not invest in a great aluminum water bottle? Sigg is a great brand that has been around for 100 years. These bottles come in endless colours and patterns, and they can be customized. We love the classic heritage water bottle in “Gold”. These water bottles will last for years and the upside when you are done is that you can recycle them just like an aluminum can.

Sigg Herttiage water bottle in “Gold” $24.99

- JVA

Add to Cart: "The Canyon"

Two Pistols is a line of handmade leather bags that is owned and operated out of Vancouver, BC. Designer Brianna Vogelaar does a beautiful job creating an edgy style but still keeps these leather bags usable for every day. For a girl that loves to lug around everything and is always on the go we love the “Canyon” bag in matte black. Its bolo braided strap and tassels are the perfect accent to this simple bag.

"The Canyon" $315

-JVA

Beyoncé For Deréon's Fall Campaign

Beyoncé's House of Deréon has unveiled its fall ad campaign, featuring none other than the superstar herself.  The campaign was shot by celebrity photographer Tony Duran and styled by Beyoncé and her mom Tina Knowles, who describe the look as, "1960s pinup girl meets futuristic biker chick."

FIERCE.

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[image via]

Levi's Curve ID: Based On Shape, Not Size

Yesterday, Levi’s announced a new line of custom fit jeans made to fit the curve of a woman’s body. The new line, Levi’s Curve ID, utilizes a revolutionary fit system based on shape, not size and was created as a result of studying more than 60,000 body scans and listening to women around the world of all shapes and sizes.

Unlike other denim brands, Levi’s Curve ID utilizes a unique, customized fit system focusing on a woman’s shape and proportions, not her size. The designers studied the bodies of more than 60,000 women to develop three custom fits based on the difference between the measurement of a woman’s hip and seat – the greater the difference, the more curvy the body – and include:

Slight Curve – designed to celebrate straight figures
Slight Curve is designed to define a woman’s waist, while accentuating her curves. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs but are too tight in the waist, a woman should try the Slight Curve.

Demi Curve – designed to fit even proportions
Demi Curve is designed to flatter a woman’s waist, while smoothing her shape. If jeans usually fit in the waist, but don’t flatter the figure, a woman should try the Demi Curve.

Bold Curve – designed to honor genuine curves
Bold Curve is designed to hug the waist, without gapping or pulling. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs, but gap in the back, a woman should try the Bold Curve.

It's great to see a large brand like Levi's move in such an innovative direction.  Basing design on shape and not size may just help everyone to find that perfect-fitting pair of jeans.

-AL

Rachel Zoe: "I Die" in Harper's Bazaar

Rachel Zoe is featured in a stunning spread in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, striking poses with America's top designers, including Vera Wang, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. The feature, titled "Rachel Zoe: I Die" depicts what would happen if the much-talked-about stylist really did die for fashion, with top designers going in for the kill.

Vera Wang: "I only want to kill Rachel when I don't land one of her fabulous clients for the Oscars!"

Michael Kors: "The perfect accessory can make the difference between looking blah and totally to die for."

Marc Jacobs: "Rachel's energy is electrifying...and often shocking!"

For more info and photos, visit http://www.harpersbazaar.com/rachelzoe

photo credit: Douglas Friedman for Harper's Bazaar

-AL

Creative Recreation For Barneys NY

Now here's something for the guys to get excited about!

Creative Recreation is one of our favorite sneaker brands for guys right now.  The LA-based company has a unique design aesthetic and the designers sure know how to get attention with color.  This fall, Creative Recreation has teamed up with Barneys New York to launch and exclusive collection, as part of the brand's upcoming high-end sneaker line The Collection by Creative Recreation.

The exclusive collection includes two models: an updated version of the Corozzo and the Turino Mid in two color-ways.  I'm personally loving the urban desert feel of the Corozzo and its pyramid studs.

Creative Recreation Turino Mid, $325 and The Corozzo, $450, available exclusively at Barneys New York; 660 Madison Avenue (between 60th and 61st streets); 212-826-8900

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[image via]

Lady Gaga Talks In Vanity Fair's September Issue

Lady Gaga is on the cover of Vanity Fair's September issue! Read the story, view photos from the shoot and watch behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot on VanityFair.com.

The issue hits newsstands in New York and LA this Wednesday, August 4th, and the rest of the US and the iPad on August 10th.

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Spin It: "Love The Way You Lie"

Our latest musical obsession is hands down Eminem and Rihanna's collaboration on "Love The Way You Lie", off Eminem's new album "Recovery".  The melody juxtaposed with rapping is perfectly balanced over a heavy and honest story.  The lyrics are so well suited for both singers, who seem to be reflecting on their own life experiences. Enjoy this heart felt ballad below:

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Kelly Bensimon - Woman on the Verge... in Harper's Bazaar

Kelly Bensimon strikes a stunning pose in the August issue of Harper's Bazaar, showcasing her toned figure, in fighting form, and in the interview she reveals the truth about her infamous blowup with the ladies of the Real Housewives of New York on "Scary Island."

The photo spread by Danielle Levitt, features Bensimon in an Emilio Pucci dress and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

On the alleged breakdown on Real Housewives of New York City: “I am not crazy. I am unpredictable,” Bensimon says. And in case you were wondering, “I’m not in therapy.”

On the other Real Housewives of New York City: “Whether it’s my nail color, my hair color, or the shoes I’m wearing, everything about me bothers them.” "They want to go to the parties I go to, they want to hang out with me, they want to do the things that I’m doing."

On moving forward: "I’m 42, and I have this new life,” she says. “Yes, I’m more mass market. And that’s okay. It’s my job.…I’ve worked so hard. It wasn’t always lollipops and unicorns.” “I tell my girls, ‘Your mom gets paid to engage in inappropriate behavior.’ It’s an amazing opportunity for them to see that being mean is not okay. I tell them, ‘If you’re in a situation like this, walk out. Don’t come back with jelly beans.’”

Andy Cohen on Kelly Bensimon's alleged breakdown: "I think it was deeply disturbing. It seemed like she had a break of some kind, but I can't say exactly what it was." "She was not forced to go to Saint John by Bravo or the producers," he says. "That's untrue."

August issue is on newsstands now!  For more visit www.harpersbazaar.com/kellybensimon