Pairings

the Kate Moss & Jamie Hince Wedding

We’ll start with some good news. Perennial supermodel Kate Moss married longtime rocker boyfriend Jamie Hince of The Kills in a 1920’s style unstructured John Galliano gown that’s drawn mixed reviews. The groom wore custom Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilatti, as did his best woman Alison Mosshat. Vogue UK reports that Galliano did attend, though he was understandably camera shy. We all remember what happened the last time cameras caught surprise revelations from the former Dior designer, so hopefully there was some non-alcoholic sparkling cider available for him to toast the couple with.

After the wedding, the bride changed into a white 3-piece Stella McCartney pants suit as she and the groom hopped on a helicopter to embark on their honeymoon. McCartney was also in attendance.

The festivities cost a reported £1 million (approximately $1.6 million), and the guest list also included fellow supermodel bestie Naomi Campbell, a bevy of Vogue editors past and present (Anna Wintour, Emanuelle Alt, Carine Roitfeld), newlyweds Lara Stone and David Walliams, Daphne Guiness, Marc Jacobs, Kelly Osbourne and Jude Law.

Sounds like the ultimate bridal fashion show.

the Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock Wedding

Then we get to the only wedding that could force Kate Moss to change her wedding date. A number of the fashionable guests for Moss’ wedding were also invited to the wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock (now, Princess Charlene).

The reported$65 million budget makes the Kate Moss affair seem positively low key, but considering the fact that the Prince and Wittstock actually had two weddings, and invited all 30,000+ of Monaco’s residents to take part in some part of the festivities, maybe it’s relatively reasonable. For the record, two weddings is actually common in France, where a civil ceremony is required before a religious ceremony is recognized.

In spite of rumors that Wittstock was considering becoming a runaway bride *three times* amid new paternity tests for Prince Albert (the groom already has two children out of wedlock, and is reported to have fathered two more while dating Wittstock), the couple made it through the official state marriage, and onto a balcony where they shared an awkward kiss.

They're definitely no William and Kate

For their civil ceremony, the bride wore a light blue Chanel suit, and for their church ceremony a custom made Armani Prive gown. The dress featured a 5-meter train, and was studded with crystals and pearls.

Guests included, um, all of Monaco (see previous note), Prince Albert’s ex-girlfriend Naomi Campbell (who had a wedding filled weekend), Karl Lagerfeld (who designed the blue Chanel suit), Giorgio Armani (who designed the wedding dress), French President Nicolas Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni, as well as too many princes, princesses, kings and queens of various countries to mention individually. There’s no agreement on whether any of Prince Albert’s children or their mothers were in attendance. The palace says no, rumors say his daughter, Jazmin Grace, and Nicole Coste, mother of his son Alexandre, were somewhere amid the well-wishers.

Congratulations to all the happy couples, and good luck to any who aren’t so happy. No names.

Partings

Now for the partings. Because sometimes wedding diamonds aren’t always forever, for every spectacular celebrity wedding this weekend, we got two spectacular celebrity divorces.

the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Divorce

The Monaco Royal wedding may take the crown for scandalous and excessive weddings, but leave it to Hollywood royalty to show ’em how it’d done when it comes to scandalous and excessive divorce! Maria Shriver officially decided to terminate her marriage to the Governator, and filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. Which was kind, considering she could have cited messing around with the maid.

The couple will split an estimated $400 million, and custody of their minor children. In total, they have 4 children. If you’re trying to do the math, that’s enough for 1.5 royal weddings for each of them, should there be any eligible princes or princesses.

the Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds Divorce

After just 2 years of marriage, the ink is dry on the divorce papers for Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds. The split was reportedly amicable, with neither seeking spousal support. Probably not easy, but at least it was quick.

the Thomas Jane and Patricia Arquette Divorce

“Hung” star Thomas Jane and former “Medium” star Patricia Arquette also made it official, and sealed the deal on a divorce. There’s a joke about seeing this one coming somewhere in there. The couple will share custody of their 8-year-old daughter. Their marriage lasted approximately 3.5 years. In Hollywood marriage years (sort of like dog years), that’s almost 15 years.

the George Lopez and Ann Serrano Divorce

Then there’s late night comedian George Lopez and wife Ann Serrano, who are calling it quits after 17 years of marriage. They share one minor daughter, and thanks to a life saving donation from Serrano, they share the same kidneys as well (obviously, Serrano has one, Lopez has the other). Fortunately, the couple is trying to keep things amicable on both fronts.

Can you imagine how messy things would be if Serrano filed to get custody of her kidney back? Awwwkward.

CBS News reported on Monday that pedestrians walking by the latest Calvin Klein billboard in New York City at East Houston and Lafayette have spotted something highly inappropriate in the ad. These folks donâ€t find Lara Stoneâ€s almost-naked body offensive; rather, they believe a hidden curse word was planted in the photo.

The table behind and to the left of Stone supposedly forms an “F,” while her underwear bottom forms a “U.” Get where weâ€re going with this? Then, to Stoneâ€s right, the “C” and “K” of the Calvin Klein logo complete the subliminal naughty word. {CBS News via Racked NY}

Our first thought upon reading this news was that the alleged curse word must have been spotted by someone with way too much time on their hands. First of all, the images of Stone for this ad campaign are beyond cool, as is the television commercial, and secondly, why would Calvin Klein risk creating this kind of controversy? But now we canâ€t look at the ad and not see it. The question remains whether Calvin Klein did it on purpose and how the label will defend the situation.

Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott shot the photos for the new campaign, and while Stoneâ€s fall 2010 ad pictures were stunning, we have to say weâ€re less than impressed with the new shots. Stoneâ€s face looks absolutely beautiful, as always, and we love the black and white effect that nearly erases her hair, but the model should not be the main focus of a fashion ad. The clothes should be, and weâ€re not sold on the outfit because what Lara is wearing looks like it does not fit her. The pants in the left photo appear to be way too long and loose in the upper inseam, and the white jacketâ€s sleeves are too short. And is that a skirt she’s wearing over the pants?

Dare we say, Christina Binkley seems to be on to something in her suggestion that less tailored, poorly fitting clothes are foisted upon women under the guise of being on trend?

Perhaps Calvin Klein was going for this look on purpose, and Stoneâ€s stunning face does help make up for it. We wouldâ€ve liked to see more photos like the fall 2010 ones, and clothes that aren’t wearing the model though.

Courtesy of a change in international opinion, the gap tooth smile is becoming something of a positive attribute. While not the norm, itâ€s as natural as rarities like freckles or red hair that have come to be admired. Still, many choose to have gaps corrected, often spending hundreds – if not thousands of dollars, to do so. It may be too late for some to get a refund, but for those who’ve wanted to leave their space as is for whatever reason, plenty of celebrities show that gap teeth are in style and here to stay!

Gap girls: the new million dollar smile

Particularly in fashion, the stereotype mentioned earlier is now being replaced by top models (not just America’s, at that) and A-List celebrities, who can now relax and be reassured that those who are smiling all the way to the bank.

Never has this message been made so clear but by Conan Oâ€Brien. Before NBC erased all traces of their disastrous relationship, the lovable comedian had a poll on his website asking for everyoneâ€s favorite gap-toothed celebrity. The list of choices included former football player Michael Strahan and tough guy Mike Tyson. But, hey, what about those who havenâ€t been in the sporting arena and had their brains bashed about for a long, long time? Thatâ€s no problem. The list also included Seal, Hollywood starlet Anna Paquin, Lauren Hutton and the marvelous Madonna. But the return of the gapped smile isn’t just for late night fun: fashion’s most in demand faces now belong to models with a little something extra in their smile. While Cindy Crawford had girls drawing moles on in the 90s, models like Lara Stone and Georgia May Jagger will surely encourage a generation of gap-toothed girls to celebrate their space. Even Tyra Banks, who heavily pressured past America’s Next Top Model winner Danielle to close her gap, has reversed course by widening the gap of Chelsey, a hopeful on the current season. And if you needed any more confirmation, Vanessa Paradis is now repping lipstick as the face (and mouth) of Chanel beauty.

With more and more celebrities showing what they have rather than covering up or getting it fixed, if you’ve considered closing a gap, or know someone who is – reconsider! There has never been a better time to celebrate what nature gave you.

This guest post is contributed by Russell Hill of the cosmetic dentistry guide website.

Stone modeled for Calvin Klein in 2007 and has worked two of the brandâ€s runway shows.

“I have a long history with the Calvin Klein brand,” she said. “It was wonderful to work with the house again this year. Itâ€s like being part of a family.” {Styleite}

A black and white close-up of Stoneâ€s face shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot for Calvin Klein Collection is the latest star in the label’s famous black and white images. Maybe it’s just us, but Stone seems to bear a passing resemblance to former Calvin Klein campaign star Kate Moss in the photo.

“I conceived my fall 2010 collection with a self-aware and assured woman in mind,” Creative Director Francisco Costa told WWD. “For me, Lara was the perfect choice for the new campaign because she is a woman who epitomizes confidence and sensuality.” {Huffington Post}

Male models Simon Ellisdon, AJ, Grayson Vaughan and Eric Anderson appear alongside Stone in some of the ads.

The exclusive deal with Stone is a progressive move on the part of the label. By going with a 27-year-old model who is considered curvier than many of her peers, the label that ironically kicked off the young waif look of the 90s is furthering the effort by some in the fashion industry to cast women rather than size 0 girls who may be at an age where they’re thin not only because of diet or exercise, but because they haven’t finished growing. {The Cut} Their last show featured Stella Tennant, Kirsty Hume and the silver haired Kristen McMenamy, who while still slender and gorgeous, are older than the usual catwalkers who are in their teens.

Stone also replaces Eva Mendes as the face of Calvin Klein jeans, adding to a growing movement among designers and magazine editors towards using models in lieu of celebrities for campaigns and covers.

Google Italy

The first, is the conviction of 3 Google executives in a case involving a video uploaded to Google Video in 2006. The video showed an autistic boy being bullied by classmates, and was removed from the service once complaints were raised. A Milan judge ruled that the Google employees were responsible for violating the privacy of the boy who was the subject of the video, and sentenced them to 6-months in jail.

Essentially, the ruling holds community sites responsible for any uploaded content, even if they had no role in uploading the content – a ruling that goes against many others and risks setting a dangerous precedent. While Google certainly has privacy issues (perhaps you’ve heard of a little thing called Buzz), this is akin to suing the phone company if you receive a prank call.

In countries where there’s even less freedom of speech, analysts are starting to worry that this is a slippery slope to more restricted internet freedoms. {Wired}

Vogue Italia

But yesterday wasn’t all bad news as far as the Italian internet goes. Vogue Italia, who famously published a best selling edition featuring all black models – including plus sized Toccara of America’s Next Top Model, relaunched their website. {StyleList} The new home of the Italian Vogue edition (they formerly shared space with Italian Vanity Fair and Glamour at Style.it), features dedicated sections titled Vogue Talents, Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy.

The Talents section focuses on emerging and breakthrough designers, with the main slide dedicated to Rodarte. With a Target collaboration, CFDA award and many other honors under their belt, the Mulleavy sisters aren’t exactly new, but for those who don’t follow fashion intently they don’t have the name or brand recognition of say, Marc Jacobs. We also get a look at Danish designer Johanne Andersen and London based Dutch designer Michael van der Ham, a recent graduate of Central Saint Martin’s Masters’ program.

Some people have looked at the other two sections with a bit of skepticism. {She Finds} Do curvy and black women really need their own section? {the Cut} Why not just make them part of general coverage?

Yes, it would be nice if more magazines and their websites resembled Benetton ads. However, the decision to dedicate regular, ongoing coverage to two groups you’re unlikely to find prominently represented in any other Vogue around the world (magazine or website) is at least a step in the right direction. While most other fashion magazines applaud themselves for using the “curvy” size 4 Lara Stone, Franca Sozzani and her team at Vogue Italia seem to walk the walk for diversifying fashion more than any other magazine going.

In an ideal world, media would be a diverse representation of the world and beautiful women of all skin colors and body shapes would be chosen to represent products to an audience. We don’t live in an ideal world, and it’s nice to see that in a country where a judge has decided to hold a company responsible for the content its users upload, another company could on the same day give a voice to two groups who are underrepresented not just in Italy, but in many countries around the world.

Other NJAL items will be for sale alongside the modelâ€s selects and albeit vaguely, the invite adds that the event is a benefit to “promote the idea of sustainable fashion.”

NJAL is a London-based online showcase of emerging international designers that trend on the dark side. (An example of their definition of “cute” is a ZO-LANDING Carp-leather bow and chain necklace – available for purchase online.)

Details and RSVP for the Pop-Up store {Not Just a Label}

The reaction from around the world is rolling in, and not much of the feedback is positive. While we understand that France doesn’t have a civil rights movement to look back on, or the same racial constraints as the US, racism, xenophobia and other problems do exist. We’re all for freedom of creative expression, and while the images may have been intended as commentary, we can’t agree with this particular demonstration even if we may love the people responsible. Perhaps next time the shoot can be done using orangeface, which would only run the risk of offending George Hamilton or Lindsay Lohan.

Though having just gone back to brown for the new issue of Paris Vogue, the rest of fashion is still chasing that star and the ethereal appeal of a bare brow.

This month model Kristen McMenamy appears on the cover of Italian Vogue with none, a look she and Karen Elson popularized during 90s grunge. Many a fall show was epilated (Alessandro Dellâ€Acqua, Balenciaga, Miu Miu and more) and spring is seeing more of the same with Guinevere Van Seenus, Heidi Mount and Givenchyâ€s entire ad-cast having gone arch-blonde.

WhoWhatWear declared it a top pick in their Fall 09 Beauty email and 4^th and Bleeker blogger Alexandra Spencer gave it a bold run in her latest post.

So with everyone jumping into the bleached brow trend, would you follow?