The 2013 Grammy Awards have come and gone and while Frank Ocean’s win over girlfriend-beater Chris Brown grabbed some headlines, much ado was made about Katy Perry
Well, it turns out she wasn’t the first to wear the show-stopping number made by Gucci, Chinese actress and Summer 2011 Audrey cover girl Li Bing Bing wore the same dress to the Golden Horse Awards last November.
So who wore it better? Katy Perry accentuated her chest and oozed sex appeal while Li Bing Bing made the dress seem a bit classier and more elegant. What do you guys think? Continue Reading »
As summer winds down, it’s time to update your wardrobe with the newest trends for fall. As strange as it may seem, your shoes are one of the first things others notice about you. Make an impression with these must-have shoes.
Loafers
From left to right: Christian Louboutin Sakoette Curly Calf Hair Loafer, courtesy of Neiman Marcus. Elizabeth and James Clark Pointed-Toe Suede Smoking-Slipper Pump, courtesy of Neiman Marcus. Alexander Wang Astrid Suede and Leather Ankle Strap Loafers, courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Loafers are officially the new flats. However, this doesn’t mean you need to rock Sperry Top-siders to your next dinner party. The new loafer is sleek, elegant, and versatile. Loafers are appropriate for the office and the bar, making them the perfect shoes for a day-to-night outfit. Go for a classic look with this loafer from Christian Louboutin or try a more adventurous variation, like these ones by Elizabeth and James and Alexander Wang.
The GRAMMY Cultural Exchange Program concluded on Friday with an exclusive musical performance by ‘The C.S.C.L.F. – Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund Quintet’ along with alumni from the GRAMMY Camp – Jazz Sessions program at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. The quintet is composed of musicians from the most prestigious music establishments in China. These talented young men and women were sponsored to come to Los Angeles and perform at various venues while taking in the city’s sights.
'The C.S.C.L.F - Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund Quintet' and The GRAMMY Band (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images For GUCCI)
The ‘Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund’ is the result of the philanthropic efforts of Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry in partnership with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (C.S.C.L.F.), one of China’s largest charitable organizations. Launched in January 2012, the Fund provides scholarships to students studying at China’s premiere music academies. The best of the best were selected to be part of ‘The C.S.C.L.F. – Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund Quintet.’ Participants enjoyed a number of activities in Los Angeles, including Q&A workshops with industry insiders. The select five students concluded their week with a performance at the GRAMMY Museum sponsored by Chong Hing Jewelers. Michael Benavente, managing director of Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry, served as host for the evening. Also in attendance were Neil Portnow, CEO of The Recording Academy and The GRAMMY Foundation, David Sears, the senior director of The GRAMMY Foundation, and Xikui Li, the secretary general of the C.S.C.L.F.
The GRAMMY Band kicked off the evening with a series of funky jazz tunes. Made up of Luke Celenza (piano/keyboard), Gabe Schneider (guitar), Evan Sherman (drums), Dominic Sbrega (acoustic and electric bass) and Patrick Bartley (alto saxophone and flute), these current college students all attended the GRAMMY Camp – Jazz Sessions program when they were in high school. The band members arranged the music themselves and took turns performing stellar solos. After a number of jazz pieces, the group finished off with an interpretation of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” that got the whole audience clapping to the beat.
‘The C.S.C.L.F. - Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund Quintet' (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images For GUCCI)
Next up was sixteen-year-old Yi Lie Hao on the piano. Although the switch from jazz to classical music was abrupt, Hao kept the energy up with Ravel’s “Alborada del gracioso.” His hands moved so quickly across the keys that they looked like a blur. The rest of the quintet, consisting of Angi Lv (viola), Fang Liang Ning (violin), Yajing Su (violin), and Yi Chen Yang (violin/cello), joined Hao in performing a couple of songs, including music from the award-winning film La Vie en Rose. The GRAMMY Band took the stage with ‘The C.S.C.L.F. – Gucci Timpeieces & Jewelry Music Fund Quintet’ for a final piece – the overture from Candide, conducted by David Sears.
Afterwards, guests mingled on the beautiful rooftop terrace of the GRAMMY Museum, the sweet sound of the musicians’ songs reverberating long into the night. The evening successfully showcased the talents of China and America’s best musicians. This program is just the beginning of The Recording Academy and The GRAMMY Foundation’s efforts in China. They hope to launch a number of other initiatives in the near future, including a program that will send American musicians to China. Learn more about the ‘Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry Music Fund’ here.
In our Summer issue, out now, we highlighted the cut-out, slasher trend hot in fashion right now. The peek-a-boo look was all over the spring runways, and even continued for fall.
Chanel Iman in Gucci spring/summer 2010.
Chanel Iman in Gucci fall/winter 2010.
Here, some extras on-trend pieces available now.
Thai designer Disaya Sorakraikitikul’s cult line Disaya offers plenty of slits and slices in its spring/summer collection. I love the pleated panel skirt on this dress, its repetitious geometry echoed in the sheer panel by the neckline.
Disaya pleat dress.
May Kosaka models her pieces for her line Mothe after the sensuous lines of flora and nocturnal creatures. This one criss-crosses the shoulders and neckline, like fingers gently resting on shoulders. I love the splash of neon yellow in the belt.
Shu Pei Qin in Herve Leger by Max Azria fall/winter 2010.
Mothe dress.
The Tart slashed strap top gives you a similar effect but with a sharper, more graphic take, like the shard-like panels on Shu Pei at Herve Leger’s fall/winter show.
Tart slash strap top.
Smitten shredded sleeve sweater.
For a more distressed, deconstructed look, try something that looks like Edward Scissorhands had his way with you, whether in Cynthia Rowley’s snipped up dress or a shredded sleeve sweater designed by Smitten‘s Jerry Chen.
Emma Pei in Cynthia Rowley spring/summer 2010.
Even if you’re not feeling the slash and burn look, you can get the look with optic stripes like on this knit tunic by Qi.
Qi "Cry Wolf" tunic stripe dress.
Givenchy spring/summer 2010.
