Alexander McQueen Leaves Most of His $26 Million Estate to Charity

Documents made public today reveal that Alexander McQueen left an estate worth just over 16 million pounds ($26 million) at the time of his death. The designer, who committed suicide in Feb. 2010, left most of his fortune to charities, but also set aside portions for his siblings, household staff, and the upkeep of his dogs.

Among the allotments: 250,000 pounds ($410,000) each to his three sisters and two brothers; 50,000 pounds ($82,000) each to his two housekeepers for their “long and faithful service,” his godson, and each of his nieces and nephews; and 50,000 pounds ($82,000) for the care of his dogs. He also donated 100,000 pounds ($164,000) each to two charities that help animals — the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Blue Cross sick animal center — and 100,000 pounds ($164,000) each to the London Buddhist Center and the Terrence Higgins Trust, the latter which promotes sexual health and safe sex practices.

The bulk (and remainder) of his estate was left to his Sarabande charity with the suggestion that some money be used for scholarships at Central St. Martin’s in London, of which he was a graduate.

Red and Pink Colorblock Trend For Summer and Fall 2011

Color rules were made to be broken. Nothing looks fresher right now than a juicy pairing of red and pink — in any incarnation. Whether it’s the high-contrast Giambattista Valli number Emma Stone sported last week in New York, or the wispy gowns on offer from Preen for Resort 2012, this unexpected color combo has been popping up everywhere. Below are a bit of red-on-pink runway inspirations and some in store lust-worthy items to get our creativity juices flowing.

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët & Chandon and Mosley Tribes collaborated on a limited edition “Rosé” sunglasses in celebration of a private four-city celebrity-hosted penthouse tour called The Rosé Lounge. Lucky guests of The Rosé Lounge will receive the limited edition Raynes aviator style “Rosé” sunglasses which comes in a mineral glass photochromic lens that adjusts to indoor and outdoor light conditions. Love the Raynes sunglasses!

Moët & Chandon and Kelly Rowland debut The Rosé Lounge with an exclusive 200 person celebration for Kelly Rowland’s new album Here I Am in NYC tonight. The Rosé Lounge will be traveling to Atlanta, Miami and Chicago as well.

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

Moët Rosé x Mosley Tribes Sunglasses

 

Nicki Minaj & Ricky Martin for MAC Viva Glam 2012

Nicki Minaj & Ricky Martin for MAC Viva Glam 2012

MAC  just announced Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin as its newest spokespersons to represent the 2012 VIVA GLAM campaign launching in February 2012. The two are on a set in Miami today shooting the campaign visuals with David La Chappelle. The sale of products will benefit the MAC AIDS FUND to fight for HIV/AIDS.

It’s no surprise that MAC tapped Nicki Minaj since she’s already launched a Pink 4 Friday Lipstick back in November. Excited for the two new spokespersons? Ricky Martin, I am not too excited about but Nicki Minaj- I am 🙂 !!

Peep Miu Miu’s Fall 2011 Noir Sunglasses Collection

1940’s film noir inspired the new batch of Miu Miu sunglasses for Fall 2011. Shot on Hailee Steinfeld by Bruce Weber for the Miu Miu Fall 2011 ad campaign (as seen in the gallery), the new frames feature oversized, angular cat-eyes and lots of retro-glam colorways — think ochre tortoise shell and metallic glitter-acetate. Below get an up-close look at the full collection available in stores this September.

J.Crew’s Higher-End Collection Gets a Fall 2011 Lookbook

For the Fall 2011 edition of of J.Crew’s higher-end Collection, leopard appears on a shrunken calf hair jacket and a felted wool fedora (the later done in collaboration with miller Albertus Swanepoel); a pink shift dress features sequins applied by hand; and light florals grace a silk chiffon maxiskirt. See the full offering in the pics below.

The Cashmere Toms Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Designed for The Row Are Now Available

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen can now add shoes to their ever-growing repertoire. The duo has teamed with Toms to offer three takes on the brand’s classic espadrille — all with a luxurious, Olsen-cool slant, of course. Made from Italian-sourced wool, leather, and/or cashmere, the Toms + The Row shoes come in an urbane palette of soft greys and plaid.

Retailing at either $140 or $150 — about three times the Toms mainline collection — the selection isn’t quite as affordable as your usual pair of slip-ons, but, just like the main line, each pair sold will also benefit a child in need. “Toms + The Row customers will have the ability to give back and create change with a single purchase,” expains Ashley. Mary-Kate adds, “Having the opportunity to be a part of something so meaningful has made the collaboration with Toms special to everyone at The Row.” Click through to see the three new styles, available online now at Toms.com.

Amy Winehouse’s Fashion Legacy

AMY WINEHOUSE DIES AT THE AGE OF 27 YEARS OLD 

Amy Winehouse will be remembered not only for her amazing contributions to music, but also for her signature style.

From Vogue Paris to Chanel runways, Amy’s bouffant and winged eyeliner have made her an inspiration to many designers, editors, and stylists. Even up-and-coming rapper Kreayshawn’s draws from Winehouse’s repertoire.

Take a look at all the interpretations of Winehouse’s fashion. She will be greatly missed.

I’M MELTING!: Practical Things To Wear In This Heatwave

It’s at least 8,000º in New York, or at least that’s what it feels like right now and tomorrow doesn’t look like it will be much different. It’s hard to figure out the best thing to wear in these kinds of conditions. Skimpy and tight or loose and flowy? Dresses or shorts?

There are several different options for keeping at least somewhat cool during a heatwave other than staying inside or going out naked. It’s all about feeling like you’re naked without actually being naked. Stick with thin fabrics in loose silhouettes that don’t cling to the body and steer clear of thing likse thick leather belts and dark colors.

Wear sunscreen, walk on the shady side of the street, go to the movies, and you’ll be cool as a cucumber!

Here are some cute ideas if you need further inspiration 😉

DON’T FORGET TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER !!! 🙂