Shala Monroque © vogue.com
Proof that fashion sites are becoming influential industry players, this week Net-a-Porter launched a capsule collection made exclusively for them by designer Esteban Cortazar. For those who don’t know who Cortazar is, a brief history: Esteban began his fashion career very early at the age of 17 with his eponymous label and was quickly catapulted into fashion darling stratosphere by editors and buyers alike. Eventually he went to Paris to take over the reigns of Ungaro, but fashion can spit you out as quickly as it embraces you and after two years he was fashion house-less.
Natalie Massenet believed in Cortazar’s talent, and voila, that is how we found ourselves in NaP’s offices this week chatting with Cortazar and falling in love with both the designer and his collection. “I want the clothes to have tailoring and a softness, like a knife cutting through butter,” he told us, holding up silk gowns, wool capes, chiffon tops that were a mix of sharp lines and feminine details. This initial collection is mostly in whites, creams and the palest nude pinks, because “I wanted to start with a blank canvas,” he continued. When we commented that one gown in particular, looked very “Gwyneth Paltrow”, he smiled knowingly yet revealed nothing. Since his pieces are already turning up on some very fashionable women, we imagine this charming designer and his stunning designs will be in the spotlight very soon.
View the entire Esteban Cortazar collection at Net-a-Porter →
© French Vogue
The new June/July issue of French Vogue has a fun Miss Vogue shoot full of colorful beach sweaters and shorts, but what I like most about the pics, is the piled on jewelry. This past fall on a trip to Paris, I bought the Aurelie Bidermann braided cuff that is on the model’s left wrist (it is available on Net-a-Porter). I like to pair it with my Cartier Love bracelet and a thin gold bangle. But for summer, this mix seems a bit “serious”. What I want to add is a few colorful bracelets, out of some seriously non-precious materials. I also love the idea of something more homespun, perhaps a couple of friendship bracelets courtesy of my daughter.
© French Vogue
Fashion Director, Net-a-Porter
It’s no secret that we are obsessed with packing lists. So last week we asked the adorable Holli Rogers of Net-a-Porter.com to share with us some of the pieces she will be wearing to the New York and then European shows. But show week got the better of us and the story is a tad late (sorry!). Here she is above unpacking at the Bowery Hotel in NY. Thanks Holli!
3 fashion week pieces: Knitwear!! Especially this time of year, I’m loving my Reed and Wang knits. Colorful and warm, Hawaiian print top from Stella, striped raffia Burberry Prorsum skirt.
3 Spring must-haves: Prints! Ideally pants but mismatched prints are also fun, slipper shoes (always important to have a great pair of flats), color – either in a bright or a light.
Beauty essentials: Elemis day cream and eye serum, Joanna Vargas rejuvenating serum at night, Revlon grow luscious mascara, Killian fragrance, Lucas’ paw paw ointment for any dry areas.
Cannot travel without: My iPod, iPad (now that I’m able to use it for work purposes it’s even more an integral part of my life), several great pairs of shoes – for this trip I have packed my Alaia ankle boots, Louboutin velvet slippers and Mulberry animal print pumps! 
1. Stella top, 2. Mulberry pump, 3. Burberry Prorsum skirt, 4. Alexander Wang sweater, 5. Junya Watanabe dress, 6. Louboutin loafers
Claudia Schiffer in a cardigan from her new knitwear line
The days are still hot but the nights are getting cooler. Knitwear is a big trend for Fall and some of the pieces could be worn now thrown over white jeans or a summer dress.
Claudia Schiffer launched a line of knits that are chic and wearable above.
J. Crew
I love these slouchy lightweight sweaters that can be layered in winter or thrown over a swimsuit now.
The Row
And there is nothing as easy as a knit poncho!
Duffy poncho
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter.com
They are everywhere and yet like the maxi dress, they can be a daunting purchase (one that may end up living in the back of your closet…). Worn with pants booties are a no brainer and not a new silhouette, it’s pairing them with a dress that is the big message for fall.
Here are the tricky bits. Black booties with a bare leg, even if the said leg is long and lean, can be a tough look. And if the dress is to the knee, is there enough leg for a bootie to still work and not look like Fleetwood Mac?
I think this is a trend that must not be followed blindly. Try on many styles and a lighter color may be a better choice. But I promise that if you find the perfect pair, they will be a wardrobe staple.
The Maison Martin Margiela’s above look pretty darn cute…
The best dress story ever from Harper's Bazaar May 2006 issue shot by Nathaniel Goldberg and styled by George Cortina
I am completely obsessed with dresses and my friend Tracy Taylor, U.S. Editor for Net-a-Porter, is too. In the most recent NaP magazine Tracy talks about her life-long love of dresses and it made me think of my favorite dress story of all time.
A few years ago when I was at Bazaar my buddy George Cortina (one of the chicest men alive) styled this amazing story to hail the return of the dress. The model Missy got stuck in a snowstorm in NY and we ended up helicoptering her to the desert. Unbelievably, George and Nathaniel shot these glorious pictures in one day. Bazaar kindly sent me these images to run here.
I wish I had bought every dress in this sitting as they are all timeless and lovely.
