Versace was almost demure for Spring 2011, but Donatella Versace still delivered the provocative.  The Versace woman always maintains her allure, and she does so this season with sexy cut-outs and body-conscious fit.  There were hints of skin in the collection, but nothing overt.  The dresses were pretty with modest hemlines that fell below the knee.  Geometric shapes and cut-outs brought visual interest and excitement to this lady-like collection.  Donatella gave us a vibrant color palette of red, white, turquoise, black and a rainbow striped print.  Versace accomplished quite a feat for Spring 2011; she delivered something new to the House, all while maintaining its sexy signature.  This collection is both beautiful and wearable.

Designer Esteban Cortazar was back in full effect for the Colombiamoda fair in Colombia.  He is the former designer at Emanuel Ungaro, Cortazar left after Lindsay Lohan was hired as a consultant.  The Fall 2010 collection is definitely his major comeback onto the fashion scene.  It was youthful and unquestionably hot.  His collection had great shapes and layering, combined with gorgeous styling.  Leather and minidresses were featured prominently on this runway in many form fitting ways.  It will be enough to leave you yearning for fall because you would still feel the heat from all the leather, leopard print and curve hugging fit. 

Esteban Cortázar Resurfaces With a New Collection at Colombiamoda [Fab Sugar]

Crystal Renn and Jean Paul Gaultier have teamed up once again, this time for the label’s Autumn/Winter 2010 – 2011 ad campaign.  The two first came together when Renn walked JPG’s runway for his Spring 2006 show.  Kelly Moreira is also in the ad shot by Inez and Vinoodh.  The accessories practically leap off the page, and hopefully into my closet. 

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2006 Runway – Crystal Renn

Every year the rumors surface about Karl Lagerfeld’s named successor at Chanel, only to be shot down almost immediately by the fashion house.  Why would they want to alter the right formula?  Each season the 70 year old designer manages to update the iconic label just enough that it is coveted by young Hollywood, yet remain grounded in its history that it still appeals to socialites and ladies who lunch.  That is a delicate balance, and Lagerfeld has found a blend of perfection.  The brand still carries the same notability it enjoyed during the years of Coco Chanel.  This video simply highlights the designers achievements.

Vena Cava’s new lower-priced line has been unveiled.  Judging by the look book, Viva Vena will be a big hit with teens and twenty-somethings.  There are great tank tops, T-shirts and mini shirts that are perfect for the warm weather.  Each piece retails for under $200.  The designing duo have made a hot T-Shirt line that will leave you looking impossibly cool during the summer months.  Get ready to be chic in the heat when it hits stores next month.  There has been a ton of anticipation and excitement about the line since the announcement, and the designers did not disappoint.

First Look: Viva Vena! Lookbook [Elle]

Lara Stone is the new face of Calvin Klein’s fall 2010 ad campaign.  We are only halfway through 2010 and the model is already having a great year.  After getting married last month, she heads the campaign for the label that ushered in the waif look in the 90′s when they signed Kate Moss.  “I conceived my fall 2010 collection with a self-aware and assured woman in mind. For me, Lara was the perfect choice for the new campaign because she is a woman who epitomizes confidence and sensuality,” says the house’s creative director Francisco Costa.  Stone has been the go-to model when it comes to the modern woman with curves.  Though the design house is not the leader in the curvy movement, this shift is noteworthy because Lara is now the face of Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans.  The campaign was shot by photographers Mert and Marcus.

Prints are always on trend especially during the summer seasons.  Not feeling bold enough for animal prints, don’t fret, there’s a print out there for everyone.  You can find them in several sexy and feminine styles.  Geometrics, abstracts, florals, tie-dyes and black-and-whites are all excellent options.  Choose a print that matches your style personality whether it’s elegant, romantic or edgy.  Don’t hesitate to try this trend, your wardrobe will thank you for the explosive shapes and colors.  The Rachel Roy dress is the vibrant fuchsia top with floral bottom, and Helmet Lang’s is the tie-dye that’s beautifully draped with an interesting shape.  Shoshanna is the elegant geometric strapless, and Teri Jon, the lady-like belted black-and-white.  All of these dresses retail from $280 to $1,495.

Sarah Burton has been named the new creative director at the house of Alexander McQueen.  Burton has been with the fashion house since 1996.  Lee McQueen was a fashion visionary, and it makes good sense creatively to fill the position with someone who has worked closely with him.  The fashion house is own by the Gucci Group, and it is no stranger to the fashion business or to making good business decisions.  McQueen left a major void in his company when he committed suicide back in February.  His Spring 2010 collection was the design genius at his best.  Many will view the Spring 2011 collection with mixed emotions; there will be sadness because McQueen is no longer at the helm, and pride to see his legacy live on.  A thriving and successful Alexander McQueen would be the greatest tribute to the late designer.

DKNY joined Couture for a Cure for its second annual runway show to help the fight against cancer on May 25th.  The designer presented her Spring 2010 collection in Washington, DC to raise funds for the worthy cause.  Their mission this year, to honor cancer survivors and to pay tribute to those lost.  All of the proceeds from the event went to benefit The Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Donna Karan champions this cause because she has lost both her husband and best friend to the disease.  “Cancer has touched all of our lives in one way or another,” says Karan.  “To fight this dreadful disease, we have to come together as a community of compassion and consciousness.  Couture for Cure uses fashion as a platform to celebrate survivors and honor those we’ve lost.  Together we have the power to make a difference.”  DKNY and Couture for a Cure made our Rollcall list this week because of their service to society and their willingness to lead by example.

Jean Paul Gaultier will leave Hermes after seven years at the fashion house.  The designer took the reins from Martin Margiela in 2003 to much acclaim.  Christophe Lemaire will be Gaultier’s replacement, and he is currently the artistic director of womenswear at the French label.  Lemaire will also leave his post at Lacoste, where he is creative director, in September after his Spring 2011 show.  Gaultier’s final collection at Hermes will be for Spring 2011.  The Fall 2011 season will usher-in the new creative director at the helm.  Hermes is not severing all ties, the company still retains a 45 percent stake in Jean Paul Gaultier’s namesake label.  JPG will continue as creative director at his own label for both ready-to-wear and couture.