Erdem Moralioglu was announced the winner of the British Fashion Fund/Vogue Fashion Fund award last night.  It is a prestigous award, and said honor comes with a $303,000 cash prize.  The award acknowledges new design talent within the fashion industry. Erdem is an enormous talent, and is highly deserving of this win.  Prior to starting his own label in 2005, he worked for Diane von Furstenberg in New York.  He was up against very notable players in the industry; fellow nominees included Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Clements Ribeiro, Angel Jackson, Patrick Grant of E. Tautz, Nicholas Kirkwood and Richard Nicoll.  Erdem is clearly a rising star for whom success was imminent.  You can shop for his collection online at Net-a-Porter.

French actress Marion Cotillard is once again the face of Lady Dior.  The new “Lady Blue” campaign marks Cotillard’s third stint with the label.  Steven Klein shot the ad in Shanghai, and the view is picture perfect.  John Galliano chose the right woman for Lady Dior because she’s beautiful, yet there is a complexity about her that is very enchanting.  Cotillard was also featured in a 12-minute film shot by David Lynch for the house that will debut on May 15th.  Not so coincidentally, Galliano will also unveil Dior’s cruise collection in Shanghai on that same day. It appears having an actress as your model really does pay off, she gives great face and good acting.  Annie Leibovitz shot the second ad, the “Lady Rouge” campaign with the actress, and you can watch the behind the scenes footage of that shoot in the video below.  Both the bags and shoes could leave you with the age old dilemma of rent or shoes.

Marion Cotillard’s Shanghai High  [WWD]

Demi Moore is a timeless beauty that continues to grace magazine covers at the age of 47.  She is the cover girl for British Elle for the month of May, and she is a stunner.  What is it about Mrs. Kutcher that fascinates us so much?  Part of the reason for the interest may stem from her younger husband Ashton, but I’m convinced that the other part comes from her beauty on the inside and outside.  Beauty is not only skin deep, it also has a soul.  Elle’s cover managed to capture both.  Black-and-white photography was an excellent choice for this image.  Her expressive eyes convey depth and thought, while her cleavage, well that’s pure bombshell.

 We are inching closer and closer to a Tom Ford womenswear launch for fall 2011.  We are also learning that all is fair in love and fashion. Ford has hired womenswear designer Caroline Tixier from Givenchy, and accessories designer Pablo Coppola from Alexander McQueen.  It appears he wants nothing, but the best for his ready-to-wear line.  The fashion world has been anticipating this launch for years, and there is a lot of excitement.  Hiring designers from two of the top fashion houses in Europe will only add to the buzz that usually surrounds a Tom Ford project.  What will the well-dressed man send down the runway to satisfy the well-dressed woman?  That will be the question on the industry’s lips until the line is unveiled.  Everyone expects him to recreate the magic he made at Gucci, and from this latest move, he intends to.

Tom Ford Secretly Poaching McQueen and Givenchy for His Own Women’s Design Team  [The Cut]

Today is Sarah Jessica Parker’s birthday, and there is no better time to remind everyone about the upcoming release of Sex and the City 2.  The movie opens on May 28th, and it’s sure to open to packed theaters nationwide.  Manhattan is not the only backdrop in the sequel, the ladies will have adventures in the Sahara desert as well.  Last week they won an award for Ensemble of the Year at ShoWest, and they talked about their experience on location.  We’re sure there will be tons of laughter, but I can’t wait to see their wardrobe.  As fashion lovers, we’re looking at the labels and styling.  Even more, I can’t wait to see them walk in Louboutins in the desert.  Priceless! 

Louis Vuitton Fall 2010

It appears the increase of curvey models in magazines and on the runway may become a more dominant trend than was first realized.  A few days ago Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, designer Michael Kors and model Natalia Vodianova were panelists at a forum regarding the overall health of models.  Of course the topic of eating disorders was a central theme.  Major news that will affect the fashion industry came from that event.  One is the promise by Ms. Wintour that Vogue will use models of various sizes on its pages.  That is big news indeed because her proactive stance on depicting positive body images in the fashion bible can have a rippling effect on the industry.  The other big news is Michael Kors’ announcement that he will no longer use models under the age 16.  He also intends to call on his peers to do the same.  Change has definitely come to this industry, and I say it’s about time.  Many young girls grow up emulating the girls they see in magazines, and seeing images of models of various body sizes will have a profound impact.  It sends a message that our society is ready to celebrate the beauty of real women.  Let’s face it, the industry benefits when girls and women feel better about themselves.  Should you doubt that last statement, remind me of the last time you went shopping while you were feeling self-conscious about your own body image.  If you can’t remember it’s because it doesn’t happen very often.  In the end, everyone benefits from a positive body image in this industry, and the industry will see it reflected in their bottom-line. 

Anna Wintour Says Vogue Does Not Photoshop Girls Thinner, and Now Aims to Show a Wider Variety of Body Types  [The Cut]

Chanel iPhone App

Donna Karan iPhone App

When did it become so chic to be a tech geek?  Technology has gotten the fashion industry into the application arena, and we are addicted.  I can attest to this from personal experience; I’ve become obsessed with the latest applications for my Blackberry.  Admittedly, I’ve even suffered a bit from smartphone envy because of the hundreds of applications available for the iPhone.  A number of fashion designers have even entered the arena with their own applications for the iPhone, Chanel and Donna Karan to name a couple.  There are applications to alert you about sales, view runway shows and other types of fashion events.  Whenever I learn of a new application, my knee jerk reaction is to download it onto my phone and laptop.  My story did not start out this way, and I’m sure many fashion editors, buyers, bloggers and fashion lovers did not either.  Before I was a little apprehensive of computer technology, sure I had the computer, but I often used it for college and graduate school papers.  Let’s not forget e-mail.  It was a slow progression at first, but blogging has flung open the doors to technology.  Now I’m glued to my Blackberry.  Yeah, I’m sure they’re coming out with an app. for that.  Until then, I’ll be busy searching for new application downloads.  Who knew technology could be so stylish and fun?

By now we’ve all seen Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue’s April issue.  It’s a familiar scene, the supermodel has graced the cover countless times.  The major difference is the model is now a mother.  She gained thirty pounds with her newborn son Benjamin, and you would be hard press to find any of that weight on her now.  Gisele credits karate and yoga for getting her back into shape.  The video gives you an insight into the changes in her life since the baby.  A shift has happened, the model has new priorities.  We can see a softer side that was probably there all along, but concealed.  While motherhood may be her priority right now, the business woman is still going strong.  She recently launched a line of organic skincare products, Sejaa.  Gisele appears to have it all, and she makes it look so effortless.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010

Vera Wang Spring 2010

Michael Kors Spring 2010

There is nothing like the perfect little black dress.  It is a must have in every woman’s closet.  Chic and sophistication are two words that comes to mind when you think of this wardrobe staple.  Luckily Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Phillip Lim have updated the LBD for spring 2010.  They’ve managed to keep it chic, while making it more relaxed for the warmer weather.

3.1 Phillip Lim added oragami pleatings in taupe and lavender.  The pleatings create visual interest, and instant sophistication.  Vera Wang inserted a beautiful print at the neckline.  The print elevated it from traditional to modern.  Michael Kors went for a more overtly sexy cut-out at the waist and straps.  It is the most daring of the three, but go ahead, don’t be shy.  There is a LBD for everyone this season.  Each designer had their own interpretation of the little black  dress for spring, and they gave it a little more personality.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

Jason Wu Fall 2010

Altuzarra Fall 2010

Prabal Gurung - Prabal is a new designer who debuted his first collection in New York  for Fall 2009.  His Fall 2010 collection was extremely strong, and if it’s any indication of his future work, we are excited to see what else he has in store.  If you’re in the market for desireable sportswear, then take a look at this label.  His collection can be found at Bloomingdale’s.

Jason Wu – Jason is the veteran in this group.  He dresses many big name clients, and most notable would be First Lady Michelle Obama.  Wu’s style is the more elegant of the nominees, and you can see that in his beautiful dresses.  His collection is sold in Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue.   

Joseph Altuzarra – Meet the other newcomer of the group, and another big talent.  Altuzarra’s Fall 2010 collection was rocker chic and sexy; his style is more avant garde.  There’s still so much to learn about this young designer, and we can’t wait to find out in his designs.  His ready-to-wear collection can be found at Barneys New York.