Luxe Links! Luxury Stories from Around the Web!

Win this green Maple Chair from IQMatics!

Giveaway Alert! Want more color in your home? Sign up to Win this Maple green chair from luxury European retailer IQMatics! [Factio Magazine]

A Video Fashion Story: The September Issue: Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour takes the stage in the much anticipated documentary film. Get a sneak peek... [Runway To Retail]

Hoteles Marquis Los Cabos: Defining Upscale in a Resort Town- Luxist experiences seaside luxury in Los Cabos [Luxist]

The Real Estalker: Update: Madonna: domesticblog is admiring two HUGE property sales [domesticblog]

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, wearing, hating Mara Hoffman Coats [KristopherDukes.com]

Laetitia Casta for Bvlgari

Laetitia Casta models a Sassi necklace from the High Jewelry Collection and BLV

We've missed model Laetitia Casta since her days modeling barely there bikinis for Victoria's Secret. Now she's back as the face of Bvlgari's latest scent Blv Eau de Parfum II. Developed by Jacques Cavallier, the perfume has notes like violet, licorice, iris absolute and musk. We expect to see a lot more of Ms. Casta.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

Alexander McQueen looks to art history to inspire him for his 2010 cruise collection. Tightly tailored suits and stretched dresses with bold patterns create an optical illusion that gives the collection an M.C. Escher-esque quality. Jackson Pollock seems to be another of McQueen’s muses for this season hence the multi-colored paint spatters over body-fitting skinny jeans resembling the technique that made him famous, action painting. While McQueen drew inspiration from two very different artists, he was still able to create a cohesive collection that showcase some of the most creative and unique art of the 20th century. It comes as no surprise that such a legendary designer would look to the work of Pollock and Escher to anchor his 2010 Cruise collection.
-Tracey Johnsen

Oscar de la Renta for Toddlers

A different fashion event found its place at the New York Oscar de la Renta boutique. Along with champagne for the moms, lemonade and Apple & Eve juice boxes were served because that’s the designer's new target.Oscar de la Renta launched his first ever line for toddlers that has every fashionable mamma counting the days until their daughter's school pictures. The designer puts his qualitative stamp on childrenswear the same way he does on his eveningwear. Cap sleeves, pleats and ruffles in rich fabrics is what you can expect. The prices are on the de la Renta level too: they range from $220 to $330. This might seem extreme, but knowing that $100 per dress is being donated to the Children’s Defense Fund softens it down – if those school pictures don’t already.
-Chloé van der Wel

Paris Hilton in Niki Biki

Paris Hilton was spotted wearing Niki Biki's Seamless Denim Leggings in blue ($33) outside of Newark Airport recently. The leggings are also available black and charcoal at www.RepeatPossessions.com

Intermix: The New Ad Campaign

Intermix has launched a decidedly more edgy ad campaign that hits fashion mags this July. "The images are grittier than one might expect from Intermix, incorporating black-and-white photography with watercolor graffiti, “to bring the edge in,” said chief executive officer Khajak Keledjian. Expect to see ads in mags like V Magazine and Paper and splashed on walls like street paintings in NYC. We can see it perfectly in Factio's (there are two stores here) summer print issue coming out July 25. Call us.

A Taste of Swiss

It all started 125 years ago with one multifaceted knife that gained international fame and is now sold all over the world. 2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Victorinox Swiss Army. As a means of celebration, Victorinox hit the open road with "125 Years—Your Companion for Life." The tour stopped in Chicago's Grant Park on June 26-28 to be part of this year's Taste of Chicago. The exhibition, which is housed in a 34-foot Airstream trailer, takes visitors on a journey through time. 125 years of Victorinox history is displayed in photographs and films throughout the trailer. In addition to the memorabilia there are special collections of sportswear, timepieces, luggage, fragrances and cutlery commemorating the anniversary. Congrats to Victorinox Swiss Army on all the success. 125 years young!
-Tracey Johnsen

A Video Fashion Story: The September Issue

Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour takes the stage in the much anticipated documentary film, The September Issue coming out August 28th. Last fall, Anna welcomed camera crews to follow her every move as she creates the biggest issue of the year, September's issue.

Check out the trailer for the film:

LV's Fall Ad Leaked

Madonna and Marc Jacobs collaborated on yet another LV ad for this fall. This one just leaked on the internet and features a flawless, photoshopped Madge with bunny ears, 80s mesh glove and of course, the latest LV bag.

Fashion Icons: Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson

Thursday, June 25th was a shocking day on a global scale. After the death of 62-year-old Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett, we had another big pill to swallow. One of the biggest entertainers of all times, Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50. Fawcett lost her intense battle with cancer and the ‘King of Pop’ died after suffering a heart attack in his LA residence. Both of these icons have had major influences in our society today. Outside of their obvious talents for entertaining, they changed the world of fashion and beauty.

Farrah Fawcett owned a sense of pure beauty and had one of the most imitated hair dos worldwide. Her perfectly feathered hair made statements that are still seen today. Outside of her hair influence, her laid-back fashion sense was emulated over and over again.

And then there was MJ who ruled the 80s. Looking at your wardrobe from that time, there’s a big chance that it contained items that you copied straight from the King of Pop. The sequins that he rocked on just about anything, we loved. The Billie Jean look, we craved. The leather jackets, we still have. And we all felt as he was singing PYT to us personally. Even when his career experienced some lows, Jackson was still rocking Balmain. He mastered his own sense of fashion before any of us could understand. Yes, this was a black page in our history books but instead of feeling sad, give yourself a Farrah Flip and ‘Scream’. Let’s reminisce, remember and never forget.
- Chloé van der Wel

Link it! GREEN CHIC: the Best Eco-Fabulous & Cruelty-Free Fashion and Beauty

Runway To Retail is now participating in Green Chic, a new weekly roundup of the best environmentally-aware, green, cruelty-free, and karmically-correct fashion and beauty blog posts...brought to you by an exclusive (invite-only) group of the hottest fashion and beauty blogs. Who knew it was so easy it is to be stylishly eco?

The Fashionable Housewife dishes on the cool and very comfortable eco-friendly sandals at Payless.

My Beauty Bunny shares tips and tricks to keep your summer hair style looking great!

Factio Magazine checks out Chicago's first eco-friendly boutique - hemp, soy, organic cotton, oh my!

Fashion Fille discusses a completely organic clothing website and how it makes us more aware and makes shopping for the planet much easier.

Fashion Pulse Daily is normally obsessed with the Alternative Apparel organic and recycled fiber tees, but has fallen for their new Heather Burnout Leggings

Fashion Pulse Daily is normally obsessed with the Alternative Apparel organic and recycled fiber tees, but has fallen for their new Heather Burnout Leggings

Bags, garments, newspapers, and even eggshells get artistically recycled into glamorous garments - Fashiontribes

Lollie Shopping and Sustainable Youth Products are giving away organic anti-aging products to one lucky winner!

Looking Sharp! tweets in search of green fashion magazines

Runway To Retail: Designer Max Osterweis has been collecting brightly-colored, vintage African kangas for the past decade, meet the hot new collection Suno (as seen in Elle)!

Michelle Tan Anniversary Party

Fashion Designer Michelle Tan is having a party at her store in Bucktown on Friday, June 26th and you're invited! Sip on cocktails by XRated while you peruse her latest collection. RSVP to michelletandesigns@yahoo.com.

Evenings in Vogue

On June 18th, The Golden Triangle was transformed into the backdrop of ‘Evenings in Vogue’, which is an annual event organized in various cities across the country. Hosted by Amy Tara Koch and Whitney Lasky, the event brought out Chicago’s crème de la crème to shop, sip, and of course mingle. “The party was great and it’s about time Vogue started covering the fabulous parties in the best city in the world!,” said local socialite Candace Jordan. Some of the fashion vendors included in the party were Decades Vintage Clothing, Lisa Kingsley handbags, and jewelry by Tangerine Sky and Gillion Carrara. Outside of the focus on fashion, the event also helped others by giving 10% of all sales to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Center.
- Chloé van der Wel

Photos by Alicia Nieto

Luxury Links from Around the Web! Luxe Links...

Factio Magazine Press Trip: Find out the luxury destinations where the fashion media travel...

ELuxury.com is closing up shop and RunwayTo Retail is taking advantage of 50% Off designer fashion!

Russian Billionaire Floats Above Economy In $350 Million Mega Yacht – Eclipse - domesticblog salutes a Luxury class hero for his opulent new toy!

The Recession, Botox and Looking Good For Less -Luxist interviews Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Chiu on how the economy has changed plastic surgery

Kristopher Dukes is wanting, hating loving Porsche Lighters

Piazza Sempione Opens on Oak Street

Italy has hit Oak Street with the grand opening of Piazza Sempione. The latest Italian luxury brand location at 34 East Oak Street is the third American-based Piazza Sempione to open in the U.S., following the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey and Shops at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Piazza Sempione CEO Enrico Morra disclosed information regarding a positive sales quota in the first two weeks exceeding the boutiques’ sales figure forecast even before the June 10^th inaugural opening celebration. The light-filled interior and glass façade of the boutique create a warm, inviting, and hospitable environment; while textured wallpapers, vintage wooden floors, and sandblasted niches complement and highlight Piazza Sempione’s luxury products. Piazza Sempione was founded in 1991 and caters to women looking to be bright and effortlessly chic. The luxury house adds tradition and intrigue to Chicago’s already established lineup of department and specialty stores on Oak Street. Visit www.piazzasempione.com to indulge in the latest luxuries from Piazza Sempione.
-Jackie Medler

Cyber Deals! 50% Off at eluxury.com - Limited Time Only

RunwayToRetail.com Readers,

It's your last chance to shop eluxury since they are closing up shop as of June 26th! Now until Friday, enjoy designer fashion at 50% off. We're talking Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Just Cavalli and more at half the price! Don't wait, some of these hot items definetely won't last. Happy Shopping! Extra 50% off everything on sale and final clearance

Opening Ceremony
Cutout Oxford Sandal
$395.00
$158.00

Marc Jacobs Collection
Silk Lamé Dress
$1,600.00
$960.00

Just Cavalli
High-Waist Wide-Leg Trouser
$475.00 SALE PRICE: $285.00

Louis Vuitton's Anime

Usually, Louis Vuitton's partnership with Takashi Murakami has us vying for the latest "it" bag. Now, they have us digging Japanese anime. We'll watch cartoon's any day that incorporate one of our favorite luxury handbag lines.

H & M - A Look at Fall 2009

Here's your first look at H & M for fall! Enjoy.

Runway To Retail: Marion Cotillard is Pretty in Pink

The Public Enemies premiere blew into the Windy City last night with French actress Marion Cotillard looking pretty in pink. The actress donned Dior, but inspired us to find other noteworthy frocks in the candy-colored hue.

Alice + Olivia

Rigby strapless dress
$355
NET-A-PORTER.COM

Notte by Marchesa, Strapless silk ruffle dress

$750
NET-A-PORTER.COM

Donna Karan, Pleated bandeau dress
Was $2,995 Now $1,198
NET-A-PORTER.COM

RM by Roland Mouret, Dolly asymmetric dress

Was $1,320 Now $528
NET-A-PORTER.COM