In a perfect world, our country would be outfitted in Michael Kors F/W 2012 embodying the classic Americana which once reflected, a polished and elegant American style, wearing red, white, blue and stripes proud. Embodying Old Hollywood grandeur while staying true to functional American sportswear, Kors’ collection is evidence enough as to why his stock continues to rise on Wall Street and in the hearts of Americans, alike.

“I thought about the ’30s and those glamorous Hollywood couples – the Clark Gables and Carole Lombards,” explained Kors backstage. This was evident in crisp-tailored suits fit for a sophisticated Southern gentleman such as Gable and the opulent gowns which could have easily costumed Lombard in one of her silver screen flicks. A more modern frame of reference was the coffee table book ‘American Beauty’ by Vogue alumna Claiborne Swanson Frank which features 100 portraits of exemplary stylish American Women.

Both the menswear and womenswear collections exhibited a rugged elegance from the mix of cozy textures to delicate fabrics, layer upon layer. The collection began with lodge-perfect plaid pieces such as the fringe blanket coats, tweed pullovers and crombie coats. Subtly the collection transitioned into more refined looks with cashmere pullovers and adornments of chantilly lace and chiffon. The statements for men were made in outerwear be it the moleskin anoraks, mongolian goats or the mohair herringtonbone travel suits. The blanket shawls, skirts and ponchos sealed the outdoor look for the ladies. Not to mention the luxurious fur hats and clutches, leather gloves, chunky may jane heels and heavy leather doctor bags which served as the perfect trimmings to the ensembles.

Should a day at the lodge be capped off with a black tie affair, Kors introduced a series of gowns which had front row stationed Jessica Alba and her stylist Brad Goreski engaging in Oscar gown whisper exchanges. Gold, silver, deep red and crimson sequined bias-cut gowns were reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. While the evening wear on its own might seem a contradiction to the collection’s rustic commencement, Kors made it work. After all, the last look down the runway was quintessential Kors with a black crystal beaded stretch jersey turtle neck gown.

Given Kors’ reign as an American design royal and upcoming release of The Great Gatsby film at this end of this year, I have a sneaking suspicion that ’30s glamour, both in casual daywear and glittering eveningwear, will continue to make strides in influence on American fashion and beyond.

Lauren Valenti is founder of fashion and music website, TheVogueVibes.com , as well as an Editor of the My Fashion Database Blog.

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Teen Vogue is one publication that knows it’s audience and takes every opportunity to connect with it. They’re all about helping out the future of fashion in any way they can, not to mention their editors are super cool! Remember when we hung out with Beauty & Health Director Eva Chen?

For those looking to gain extra insight into this crazy industry or if you’re curious to learn more about what it’s like to work in the fashion world then you may want to enroll in Teen Vogue Fashion University. Don’t worry, this isn’t some cheesy high priced event where all you get out of it is a fancy gift bag. This year it’s all about knowledge as the event will be live-streamed, so no matter where you live fashion is just a click away. Taking place October 22nd, Fashion U students will have access to the full agenda of speakers which includes Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez (Proenza Schouler), Peter Som, Jason Wu, and Editor in Chief Amy Astley.

If you can’t make the actual streaming of the event, it’s okay because you’ll have access to the video for sixty days to watch, then re-watch, and ogle your fashion stars.

For more information visit Teen Vogue Fashion University’s official website.

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Commencing with a tribal style instrumental version of the favored Adele tune, Karmen Pedaru opened the show in sage shorts and a complimenting large linen sage serape with Simon Nessman (both current faces of the brand). The audience was immediately taken on a voyage to Africa with the laid back high fashion looks that were described as, “Afriluxe.” The designer’s use of rustic textures, leopard and snakeskin prints alongside flowing silhouettes evoked a wildness in everyone. The music switched up to Florence + The Machine’s “Drumming Song” and these feelings carried over to the menswear, which consisted of a utilitarian on vacation vibe. Cargo pants, olive hues, and messenger bags were seen throughout on the male models.

Karmen Pedaru with Simon Nessman opening Michael Kors

A few standout pieces included a leopard hand painted feathered shift dress rocked by Daphne Groeneveld (left), an ivory wind coat and matching swimsuit worn by Karolina Kurkova (center), and an olive linen hand dyed trench on Karlie Kloss (right). However, it was an impala python print swimsuit which really got everyone’s taste buds slithering.

Kors’ all star model lineup also included Arizona Muse, Erin Wasson, Jourdan Dunn, Izabel Goulart, Liu Wen, Lindsey Wixson, Fei Fei Sun, Frida Gustavsson, Hilary Rhoda, and Hanne Gaby Odiele. Their pulled back hair and natural makeup looks perfectly coupled the raw jungle aesthetic. Hair stylist Orlando Pita and makeup artist Dick Page took care of all of the models backstage.

Kors is a designer who has worked hard for his achievements, but continues to stay true to his chic sporty look that the world has come to adore. So I ask… Who’s ready to go on safari?

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Where else can you discover Michael Kors in a window, modeling dogs, and a drag queen DJing? None other than Fashion’s Night Out NY!  Along with kickstarting New York Fashion Week, the global initiative of Fashion’s Night Out swept the nation yesterday evening. Even if you didn’t have money to get your shop on, you could certainly get your drink on as many luxury stores were offering up complimentary champagne along with the opportunity to peruse fall collections. I didn’t actually see to many people do serious spending, but did I encounter shoppers packed like sardines inside Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other high end retailers.

My first stop off 5th Ave was Bergdorf Goodman, where they were celebrating thirty years of Michael Kors‘ designs. Bergdorf’s fashion director, Linda Fargo presented Kors with a the key to Bergdorfs and a celebratory cake (no carb concern though, because the oversized cake was fake). Besides having Kors in the window, live models graced their additional whimsical window displays. My voyeuristic side favored two displays, one had French maids hanging up tiny clothing and the other lumberjacks attending to a Rapunzel-like character. Inside Bergdorfs the party continued with a draq queen DJ-ing popular tunes. Based on reactions, I think this may have been the first time some of the more elder Bergdorf customers had ever encountered a drag queen in real life.

Then it was on to Louis Vuitton where they had an expert painter on hand to customize their signature monogram bags for one night only. So if you happen to drop a few grand on a purse, you could request something snazzy painted on it. Obviously, I passed. They also offered up little chocolate bites for those (like me) who were getting famished from the night’s spectacle. Although, the evening had really just begun because over at Gucci they were giving patrons a photo op with the newly released Gucci designed Fiat. Then, Tiffany & Co. felt more like Carnival & Co. because they provided customized cookies, lemonade, sparkly lollipops, a photobooth, a live DJ, and more.

Models at Tiffany & Co.

However, it was Henri Bendel who took the cake for the night, as the retailer merged into the Lower East Side’s Hester Street Fair. Tons of vendors were on hand serving everything from pastries and jam to gourmet mac & cheese. The fair’s independent artists and jewelry designers actually to fit right in with Bendel’s chic atmosphere and luxe offerings. In the heart of the fair, playful pups could be found modeling the latest in collars & leashes.

Henri Bendel's dreamy sweets

And lastly, I swung by Rockerfeller Plaza- an unlikely Fashion’s Night Out destination- but they had live music and a red carpet was laid out with models showing off current trends. It felt like this was the place to grab a drink post shopping.

What did your FNO evening consist of?

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A huge congratulations goes out to American fashion designer and beloved Project Runway personality Michael Kors and his long-time partner Lance LePere on their upcoming nuptials. The couple were spotted registering for their marriage license on Wednesday at City Hall in Manhattan.

Kors told WWD, “Lance and I are very excited to finally be able to have the opportunity to marry in our home state after many years together,” said Kors. “We have no plans for a major party, but we will be getting married privately.”

We’re so happy the fashionable pair and other same sex couples will be able to legally celebrate their love in their residence of New York. Sadly, the same can’t be said for couples in California just yet.

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First there was former plus size model Crystal Renn doing work on a raw steak and loads of seafood for Vogue Paris last year. Then there was the innocent Lea Michele of “Glee” playfully licking a lollipop in a scandalous editorial for GQ.

And who says models don’t eat?! The adorable Lindsey Wixson stuffed her face with spaghetti for Vogue Japan.

Apparently Wixson isn’t the only one who likes Italian…So do Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, the duo behind Dolce & Gabbana as seen in a recent issue of 10 Men. Yum?

And last but not least, a big thanks to Richardson for ruining one of my all time favorite desserts as he shoots American fashion designer Michael Kors getting quite friendly with an apple pie for Harper’s Baazar.

What do you think? In my opinion, I’m over the whole Terry Richardson aesthetic, or rather…I never was really all that in to it to begin with…I think it’s time to try something different, Terry.

Derek Lam chose Willow Smith. He said, “Naturally talented, charismatic, unblemished optimism, with the whole wide world open to her possibilites and abilities. I think she is the future-forward American icon.”

Michael Kors said of Michelle Obama, the first lady, “She is the quintessential triple threat: stylish, smart and strong, all at once.”

Who else made the cut besides these three?

David Neville (of Rag & Bone) chose Gisele Bundchen

Diane von Furstenberg chose Rooney Mara

Marcus Wainwright (of Rag & Bone) chose Cate Blanchette

Maria Cornejo chose Christy Turlington

Narcisco Rodriguez chose Hanneli Mustaparta

Peter Som chose Shala Monroque

Tommy Hilfliger chose Katy Perry & Taylor Swift

And lastly, Tory Burch chose Michelle Williams

Is there someone missing? Tell us in the comment box below.

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The last we told you of model Carmen Kass was that she ditched her blonde locks and went edgy for the latest Pinko ads. Well, thanks to the editorial titled “Miss Vogue” in the latest issue of Vogue Paris, Kass shows readers that not only can she be edgy, but she can be beautiful- naturally. The editorial, shot by Paola Kudacki, showcases Kass with very little makeup in the classics such as denim, simple sweaters and Calvin Klein underwear. I love Kass’ versatility as a model…from glam for Michael Kors to edgy for Pinko to natural in the editorial…she does it all and so well! Peep the images below and tell us which one you like best?

And as always browse the full editorial and the team behind the scene on MyFDB.

Professional Credits

Move over Erin Wasson, Pinko‘s got a new face and she’s fierce! Although the model herself is quite established, Carmen Kass (best known for her work as the blonde bombshell in the Michael Kors ads season after season) has got a new look going on and I love it! Kass ditched her lustrous golden locks and went for a chicer and edgier short cut in a reddish color. And don’t even get me started on Pinko’s latest collection! I love that too, the laces pieces, the leather jacket and the black suit are definitely must-haves for the season!

Peep the campaign and the team behind the scene on MyFDB!

Professional Credits:

Do Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum and Michael Kors sound familiar? They should. Since the 2004 debut of the now globally famous design show, Project Runway, they’ve become household names and even received an Emmy nomination for bragging rights. As well, fourth season winner turned mega-designer, Christian Siriano has become quite the success. After winning he went on to work with fashion icons such as Lady Gaga, along with multiple collaborations and several showings at NYFW.

Now according to Deadline Hollywood, Mr. Harvey Weinstein has succeeded in selling a spin-off, Project Runway: Accessories to Lifetime. In all honesty, I am very curious to see how successful the show will be…I think that crafting outfits is an entirely different beast than, say, making a necklace or a handbag. But hey! Never say never, the show may just discover the next Christian Louboutin or Rebecca Minkoff! Only time will tell!