Metropark

The 2012 Olympic games begin in London in four weeks, so naturally the whole world is getting into the athletic spirit of things, especially in the realm of fashion. Just about every publication is putting out sporty editorials for summer, but so far I'm most loving Vogue Spain's - Esperitu Olimpico - where they recruited Italian model Bianca Balti to star in their perfectly tri-colored spread. Splashed in classic hues of red, white, and blue, Balti sports an assortment of Olympic gear, like fencing masks and swimming goggles. I'd give her a gold medal...





(SEE THEM ALL HERE)

Elle Mexico's current July issue is really bringing the summery intensity, setting the scene for an explosive solo shoot starring South Korean beauty Soo Joon. Styled by Michael Tucker with a dramatic mix of Gucci fringe, Louboutin spikes, and Dolce & Gabbana lace, Soo strikes lively poses against a series of bustling graffiti murals, like giant stencils and graphic octopus monsters. Quite the fashion fiesta...





 (SEE THE WHOLE SHOOT HERE)

Blank NYC - one of Metropark's resident denim brands - recently put out their newest Fall 2012 collection, featuring the body-hugging jeans they're best known for, plus some slim-fitting leggings, shorts, and pants. From painted-on prints, to baroque appliqués, to paneled leather, to sprayed-on velveteen, there's a pair for just about every occasion, whether dressed up or down.  Naturally they've got a great selection of basics, but for those ladies who really like to be noticed when they go out, there's plenty of flashier options too, like all-over black sequin, plaid, and patterned silver. To see the latest lookbook or shop their collection on Metropark, <click here>...

The moment I laid my eyes on the works of Izziyana Suhaimi, I immediately fell in love. I'm really drawn to mixed-media art in general, but something about her use of embroidery elevates paintings and illustrations in a way that's simply, yet extremely beautiful. It adds texture, depth, color, pattern, and above all embroidery tends to evoke this nostalgic quality I think most women are generally drawn to. I'm including a few images of her creations in this post, but to check out her work archive - which I highly suggest - <click right here!>

With the resort season now well upon us, just about every fashion publication out there is releasing super-colorful summery spreads, and naturally nobody does it better than the fashion Gods at Vogue. Gathering up a boat-load of giant-sized inflatable objects - from milkshakes to cameleons - the story is set on what's supposed to be an abandoned island, where a doe-eyed, frazzle-haired model is left to her own devices. Cast in a hue of designer technicolor, she makes the best of her lonely disposition by dancing around in intricate hats and Prada mules. Click (here) for the full editorial...

Luxury British fashion brand Mulberry just released their 2012 fall campaign a few days ago, and it's a whimsical, well-styled ode to the children's book classic Where The Wild Things Are, complete with horned monsters & furry giants. Many specculate that the release - just several weeks after the passing of it's beloved author, Maurice Sendak - was put out in honor of Sendak, but then again it could just be fashionable coincidence too. Shot in England's Backheath Forest with a radiantly pouty Lindsey Wixson front & center, the lookbook evokes a perfect combination of woodland magic and English charm - right down to the sexy suede booties. Let the wild rumpus start!



(CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN!)

Cult Los Angeles based clothing company WILDFOX - best known for their girlishly dreamy pieces and nostalgically-inspired lookbooks - is back at it again, this time with an adorably modern take on the 90s favorite starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, Romeo + Juliet. Aptly titled Star Crossed Lovers, we see two cute Wildfox-clad couples as they fool around, escaping their respective castles to have slumber parties and candle-lit romances. Makes me wanna run off with someone my parents hate right this second...





(SEE THE REST OF THE LOOKBOOK HERE & PLUS SHOP WILDFOX AT METROPARK NOW!)

Back when I was still in school, I remember always being overjoyed when there a substitute teacher. Subs don't have lesson plans, they don't give homework, and they're simply way less intimidating than your usual teacher. That said, I certainly never had a substitute like Dean & Dan Caten, the twin designers of brand DSquared2. In this adorable video campaign for their Fall/Winter 2012-2013 we're invited into a high-school fashion fantasy, where a slew of coed classmates flood into homeroom, only to find that their teacher is nowhere in sight. Then, suddenly, Dan & Dean burst into the room, two sexy assistants at their side carrying mysterious suitcases - soon popped open to reveal heaps of sparkly DSquared2 shoes and accessories - any young fashionistas dream! They then proceed to parade around the classroom in an impromptu fashion show including boys and girls, until alas, the party eventually gets broken up by their original professor. Enjoy! 

V Magazine is showing off their Americana summer spirit in this latest online-only editorial, in which all the images are playfully animated, incorporating people and paper cartoons to create an endearingly nostalgic effect. Shot in collaboration by photographers Pamela Reed and Matthew Rader, each animation has some typically American flare, like baseball home runs and cute girls sitting atop hamburgers in star-studded visors. Good wholesome fun, GIF style! 





(SEE THEM ALL HERE!)

Oh, England - can't you guys do anything low-key?! It seems the whole world is constantly submerged in your royal families, royal weddings, and now even your Diamond Jubilee's, an extravagant 60th anniversary celebration of Queen Elizebeth II's assetion to the throne. Though it only comes once in a Queen's life, the Jubilee lasts throughout the entirety of 2012, so I suppose it's worth all the wait. Due to the exclusivity and exposure that accompanies such an event, naturally designers far & wide are coming together to contribute something in honor of the Queen - and what more fitting than a crown? Leading British department store Harrods curated the project, grouping together 31 designers from Lanvin to Valentino to present their individual take on Elizbeth's legendary regalia. Click here to see them all...





(SEE THEM ALL HERE!)

French photographer Vincent Bousserez - best known for his work with miniatures - has recently been hired by Louis Vuitton to create a mini-campaign aptly titled Plastic Life. Starring Vincent's tiny characters, which are cast amongst an immense backdrop of Vuitton accessories and hard-goods, he works his miniscule magic with a fantastic mix of lighting and detailed instillation, positioning each item in just the right place. Using the jewelry box hardware as a microscopic mirror? Totally genius. 





(MORE HERE!)

Korea-based fashion and beauty magazine Singles is getting summer started off just right, taking a whimsical trip to Waikiki with gorgeous models Stephanie Lee and Kwak Ji Young. Cast against fun seashore sunset back-drops with hammocks and palm trees playfully strewn throughout, the ladies don tropical florals and Diane Von Furstenberg prints as they strum their ukuleles. My favorite aspect of the spread? The Carmen-Miranda-inspired headpieces, of course, twisted up with Hawaiian flare using whole lobsters and fake watermelon slices. Looks good enough to eat! 





(SEE THE REST HERE!)